Police Seek Suspect In Fatal East Austin Hit-And-Run

EAST AUSTIN, TEXAS — Police on Friday released surveillance camera footage showing the vehicle that struck and killed a pedestrian in East Austin this week before the motorist fled the scene.

Police hope someone might recognize the vehicle and contact police. Jonathan Deleon, 29, was standing near the rear driver's side of a parked vehicle along the 2000 block of East Cesar Chavez Street just after 2 a.m. on Wednesday when a white van or some type of SUV traveling westbound struck him before speeding off.

Medics rushed Deleon to Dell Seton Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Police continue to investigate. Detectives ask any business operators and owners in the area of East Cesar Chavez and Adam L. Chapa Sr. streets to review their surveillance camera footage recorded between the hours of 2 a.m. and 2:10 a.m. on Oct. 10 for the suspect vehicle. Those in possession of such footage should call police immediately.

Anyone with information that might be helpful to police is urged to call detectives at (512) 974-5576. Those with information on the incident can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

Related stories:

Man Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver In East Austin

Pedestrian Killed Trying To Cross Highway In North Austin

Police noted the incident marked the 55th fatal traffic crash in Austin so far this year, resulting in fifty-six fatalities this year. At this time in 2017, there were 50 fatal traffic crashes and fifty-two traffic fatalities.

Another pedestrian was killed on Friday, two days after Deleon was struck by the hit-and-run driver. Police said the victim, a man in his 30s, was struck along the 6300 block of Interstate 35 North, just north of the U.S. 290 interchange, at around 6:30 a.m. The man who had attempted to cross the roadway before being struck was pronounced dead at the scene. Unlike Wednesday's incident, the motorist on Friday stayed at the scene to cooperate with a police investigation, and no charges are expected to be filed.

A police public information officer on Friday said 23 pedestrians were killed by cars on Austin roadways by the end of September — with 16 of those victims struck while crossing where no such foot travel is allowed. He urged motorists to call 911 if they see anyone attempting to cross a stretch of highway.

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>>> Top image: Surveillance camera still image of suspect vehicle courtesy of Austin Police Department.