Intoxication Manslaughter Charges Filed In Pflugerville Wreck

PFLUGERVILLE, TEXAS — A woman has been arrested for intoxication manslaughter following a fatal accident in Pflugerville over the weekend, officials said on Monday.

Dawn Witt Denny, 50, of Dripping Springs was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony, after a pedestrian was struck and killed on SH 45 near the SH 130 flyover ramps on Sunday, Oct. 7, a city spokesperson said.

The pedestrian pronounced dead at the scene has been identified as Donald Alan Waller, 36, who had been tending to his vehicle on the side of the roadway after it broke down, the spokesperson added. He leaves a young daughter behind, according to friends who took to social media after news of his death spread.

The Pflugerville Police Department responded to the call at approximately 1:59 a.m. on Sunday. The fatality collision, which is Pflugerville Police Department’s third this year, resulted in the closure of the SH 130 flyovers to SH 45. The roadway was re-opened later that afternoon.

In its report on the incident, KXAN confirmed Denny worked as a reporter for the news station during a 10-month period from 2013-14. On her Facebook page, Denny also lists a former stint as a freelance reporter for NBC DFW, and her current job Magnolia Hospitality Management.

Denny was booked into the Travis County Jail with bail set at $250,000.

Meanwhile, community members have organized a fundraiser to collect money in helping defray funeral costs for Waller's family. The event is scheduled Oct. 13 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Thirsty Turtle, 1200 W. Howard Lane. Barbecue plates will be sold at $10 each and baked goods for $3 with soft drinks also provided, according to an organizer's Facebook posting.

"The items we will have are pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, sausage links/wraps, chicken leg quarters and baked macaroni n cheese, baked beans, barracho beans, and potato salad," Eninja Ervin wrote on Facebook. "Condiments like pickles, onions, jalapeños, bread/tortillas, and bbq sauces will be provided."

By Tuesday morning, PayPal and Cash App links were expected to be provided for those wishing to donate money.

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>>> Dawn Witt Denny booking photo via Pflugerville Police Department