Austin police are asking for the public’s help tracking down a driver who took off after a downtown collision that left a bicyclist seriously hurt. The crash happened in the early hours of April 2 near Congress Avenue and 5th Street, according to police. The cyclist went to get medical care on their own and suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators say the vehicle bolted from the scene, and detectives are now combing through downtown surveillance footage and following up on witness tips.
APD Details and Timeline
The Austin Police Department’s Highway Enforcement Investigations Unit says the collision happened at approximately 2 a.m. on April 2 near the intersection of Congress Avenue and 5th Street. APD lists the case number as 26-5005779 and reports that a bicyclist heading southbound on Congress was struck by an unknown vehicle that then left the area. Officials are asking anyone with video or witness information to contact investigators, according to City of Austin. APD also shared the alert on its Facebook page.
How to Share Tips
People with information or relevant surveillance footage can submit an anonymous tip through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers program or call 512-472-8477. The program states that tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Details on how anonymous tips work are available from Capital Area Crime Stoppers.
Downtown Safety and Bike Lanes
Congress Avenue has been the site of several serious collisions in recent years, and local advocates track those incidents using the Vision Zero ATX fatality logs. The city has announced plans to install permanent protected bicycle lanes on Congress Avenue between Riverside Drive and 11th Street. The project fact sheet notes protected turn phases at 5th and 6th streets and shorter crossing distances intended to cut crash risk. Those efforts are outlined by Vision Zero ATX, and the project materials are detailed by the City of Austin.
Legal Implications
Under Texas law, a driver who fails to stop and render aid after a crash that results in serious bodily injury can be prosecuted under Transportation Code §550.021, which treats such conduct as a felony offense (Texas Transportation Code §550.021). Penalties for a third-degree felony can include prison time and fines, according to Texas Penal Code §12.34.
Detectives continue to review downtown surveillance feeds, license-plate reader data and witness accounts as they work to identify the vehicle and its driver. Anyone with information related to case 26-5005779 is urged to contact Capital Area Crime Stoppers or APD.
