Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
On September 20, 2024, the Austin Police Department (APD) responded to a traffic incident involving a car and a bicycle on the 6000 block of East Stassney Lane. The collision occurred at 8:32 p.m., resulting in the bicyclist being taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, the cyclist succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on October 10, 2024.
The driver of the car involved in the crash has been identified as Abel Martinez, a 26-year-old white male. Martinez was arrested at the scene for driving while intoxicated (DWI).
This incident marks Austin's 69th fatal crash of 2024, leading to a total of 74 fatalities so far this year. Comparatively, by this date in 2023, there had been 70 fatal crashes resulting in 73 fatalities.
The APD is conducting an ongoing investigation into this case. They have noted that "fatality information may change" as more details become available.
The APD urges anyone with information regarding this incident to reach out to their Vehicular Homicide unit at 512-974-8111. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.
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