A serious traffic accident happened on the 6400 block of W Highway 290 WB on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at approximately 2:27 a.m. The Austin Police Department reported that the incident involved two vehicles and a pedestrian. The initial findings suggest that a pickup truck hit the rear of an SUV and then struck a pedestrian.
The pedestrian, whose identity is not yet known, was declared dead at the scene. The pickup truck’s driver, 41-year-old Jacob Sussman, was arrested and charged with Intoxication Manslaughter. The SUV’s driver was not injured and remained at the scene to assist with the investigation.
This accident is the 8th fatal crash in Austin in 2024, bringing the total number of deaths to eight. By this date in 2023, there had been 12 fatal crashes, resulting in 12 deaths.
The Austin Police Department continues to investigate the accident and has indicated that the fatality count may change as the investigation continues. This incident underscores the risks associated with drunk driving and its potential tragic outcomes.