Austin PD Seeks Hit-And-Run Driver In Pedestrian's Death

NORTH AUSTIN, TX — Police are seeking help from the public in locating a hit-and-run driver who struck and killed pedestrian running to catch a bus in North Austin last month.

The incident occurred on May 2 just after 6 a.m. along the 8700 block of North Lamar Boulevard. Police said David John Medrano, 38, was running west to east on Lamar toward a Capital Metro bus when he was struck by a dark-colored, small SUV or truck. Medrano was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center where he died upon arrival, police said.

The vehicle that struck Medrano continued to travel northbound on Lamar as the driver fled the scene, police said. The suspect vehicle likely has damage to the right, front end, according to police. Images of a vehicle similar to the one involved in the crash were released by police in the hopes someone might know of the driver's whereabouts.

Days after the deadly crash, Austin City Council member Greg Casar wrote on Facebook that artery where Medrano was killed has the dubious distinction of being among the city's most dangerous roadways for pedestrians. Casar added that he's working to bring enhancements to the area toward the goal of public safety.

"North Lamar is one of the most dangerous roads for pedestrians in Austin, and it has been for many years," Casar wrote. "Since being elected, I've prioritized large investments into making this part of town safer, and I've advocated every way possible for improvements big and small."

Ironically, Casar said the city had been planning to put in a safe crossing with a traffic light where Medrano was killed. After "direct pressure from my office," he added, the city committed to putting this and other improvements onto this road this year. "However, this year is still too late for Mr. Medrano," Casar noted. "District 4 still hasn't seen enough action from the city to prevent needless deaths."

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact police detectives at (512) 974-8544. Tips also can be submitted by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

Police released images taken from bus video footage along with a photo of a vehicle similar to the one that struck and killed David John Medrano.

The deadly incident marked Austin’s 25th fatal traffic crash of 2019, police said, resulting in 26 fatalities this year. At this time in 2018, police added, there were 21 fatal traffic crashes and 22 traffic fatalities.