News update: Police ID victim and arrest suspect in Aug 3 hit-and-run crash
AUSTIN, TX – Authorities have identified the woman who died after being intentionally hit by a vehicle on August 3rd and have arrested a man in connection with the crash.
This is an update to a previous news story.
According to the Austin Police Department, the crash claimed the life of 33-year-old Eliana Martinez, who was discovered lying in the roadway with obvious trauma injuries at 11:01 p.m.
According to witness testimony, the crash, which occurred in the 5800 block of Ainez Drive, occurred after the victim had been in conflict with the driver of a black Dodge Ram pickup truck. After the altercation, the driver intentionally ran over Martinez, then fled the scene.
Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene due to blunt force trauma injuries.
34-year-old Ricardo Vasquez-Lopez, who is accused of being the hit-and-run driver, was taken into custody on a second-degree felony charge of failure to stop and render aid in a fatal accident. His bond was set at $100,000.
The crash remains under investigation, and those with information about the collision are asked to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-8477 (TIPS) or homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. Information leading to an arrest may be worth a reward of up to $1,000.
Contact an Austin pedestrian accident lawyer if you or a loved one have been hit by a vehicle while crossing the street. Negligent or reckless drivers need to face justice after causing an innocent victim pain. The Loewy Law Firm has experience helping people like you get the money they deserve after a crash. Call today for free at 512-280-0800.