Police Search For Hit-And-Run Driver In South Austin

AUSTIN, TX — Police are seeking help from the public in locating a driver who struck a pedestrian before fleeing the scene in November 2020 in South Austin.

The incident occurred on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, just before 10 a.m. along the 4400 block of Russell Drive, according to a police advisory. Officers found the victim, described only as a white male, injured on the side of the road. Police said a man who witnessed the crash from his home directed a family member to dial 911 as another tenant rushed to the injured man's aid while waiting on medics to arrive.

The injured man was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition, police said. Witnesses to the collision reported seeing a small, light-colored hatchback — possibly a Honda Fit — strike the victim, according to police.

"The driver of the vehicle made no attempt to check on the condition of the victim before fleeing the scene," police wrote in their advisory. Police added that the suspect’s vehicle was last spotted traveling eastbound on the Ben White Boulevard service road by Austin Fire Department personnel. Police added the vehicle reportedly had heavy front-end damage and a shattered windshield. Police noted officers searched the area for the vehicle and driver at the time of the incident, but found neither.

The Austin Police Department provided a plea from the family: "The victim is a member of the Sunrise Church community. He is loved by many friends in the Austin community. Our beloved brother has a large extended family of brothers and sisters who adore him. We are asking the public for any information that can identify the vehicle, and/or the driver who struck our brother and left him in the roadway."

Police said those with information leading up to an arrest are eligible for a $1,000 reward. Detectives urge anyone with information or video of the incident to utilize the Crime Stoppers tip line at (512) 472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app. Those submitting tips have the option of remaining anonymous. Tips also can be submitted by downloading the police department's mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android.