Austin police are stepping up the search for a hit-and-run driver after a juvenile on a skateboard was struck by a car in southeast Austin on Nov. 22. Detectives have released new images tied to the case and say they want to talk to a man connected to the vehicle seen leaving the scene.
What police say
According to the Austin Police Department, the crash happened around 6:41 p.m. on Nov. 22 at the intersection of Panadero Drive and Baythorne Drive, just north of East Slaughter Lane. The juvenile was riding a skateboard when a vehicle hit them and kept going. The child later received treatment for injuries, and investigators say the driver never stopped to help. Local outlet KXAN previously reported that officers are treating the incident as a hit-and-run.
Photos, reward and tips
APD has released photos of both the vehicle and a person of interest and is asking anyone with video, doorbell footage, or eyewitness information to come forward. Tips that lead to an arrest could qualify for a reward of up to $1,000. Information can be shared anonymously through Capital Area Crime Stoppers by calling 512-472-8477, according to the Austin Police Department.
Legal stakes
Failing to stop and render aid after a crash that causes injury is a crime in Texas. An incident that results in serious bodily injury can be charged as a third-degree felony, and a crash that results in death can be charged as a second-degree felony, under the Texas Transportation Code. Investigators say those potential penalties are one reason they are urging anyone with information about this collision to contact them.
How you can help
Police describe the person of interest as a heavy-set Hispanic or Asian man, roughly 50 to 60 years old. He was last seen wearing a University of Texas T-shirt, jean shorts, and tennis shoes, and driving a dark gray, four-door sedan, according to the Austin Police Department. Detectives are asking anyone who recognizes the man or the car to call APD’s tip line or Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 and to save any video or photos that might help the investigation.
