AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department (APD) has arrested a man in connection with an alleged racing incident in March that led to a hit-and-run. However, another suspect is still on the run.
APD said at roughly 2:50 a.m. on Sunday, March 24, a Hyundai was stalled out in the 4600 block of North Interstate 35 northbound when an F-150 truck came to a stop behind it. Moments later, police said a Dodge hit the rear of the F-150, causing it to flip onto the Hyundai.
The investigation later revealed that the Dodge and a Tesla had been racing since North I-35 and 12th Street, ultimately leading to the collision with the truck and the Hyundai. Police said the driver of the Tesla assisted the driver of the Dodge and both fled the scene in the Tesla.
After a months-long investigation, APD said the two drivers were identified as 20-year-old Andy Saldana Rocha and 19-year-old Jose Huerta. APD said anyone who participates in “Racing on a Highway” in Texas can be charged, whether they are involved in a crash or not.
In this case, APD said six victims came forward who were injured as a result of the crash, including those with serious injuries.
Huerta is currently in custody, but Saldana Rocha remains at large. Huerta has been charged with five counts of Racing on Highway Involving Injury and one count of Racing on Highway Involving Serious Bodily Injury. Saldana Rocha faces the same charges, plus five counts of Accident Involving Bodily Injury and one count of Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury.
Anyone with an information about this incident is asked to submit a tip through Capital Area Crime Stoppers online or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information that leads to an arrest.