Crime & Safety

Police ID Man Who Died After Crashing Into North Austin Domino's Pizza Shop [UPDATED]

The unidentified male victim in his 20s is believed to have been speeding when he crashed into a back wall of the business.

North Austin, TX -- Police on Wednesday identified the man killed after crashing into a Domino's pizza store at a high rate of speed early Saturday morning last week.

A preliminary police investigation shows that James Austin Cloudt, 28, was driving a gray 2006 Honda Civic eastbound on Steck Avenue at a high rate of speed. As the car approached Mesa Drive, it veered to the right across from Mesa Drive, striking the northeast side of 8141 Mesa Drive -- the back portion of a Domino's pizza site.

Cloudt was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.

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"Speed and intoxication appears to be factors in this crash," police wrote in a press advisory, noting the presence of an open alcoholic beverage container found inside the vehicle.

The case is still being investigated, and police urge anyone with information to contact them. Those with insights is asked to call the APD Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974-8255.

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Police noted the incident represented Austin’s 35th fatal traffic crash and 35th fatality of 2016. At this time in 2015 there were 51 traffic fatalities in Austin, police added.

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From July 11:

North Austin, TX -- A motorist died on Sunday after crashing his car into a Domino's Pizza location in northwest Austin.

The crash happened at about 6:4o a.m. at the pizza store at Steck Avenue and Mesa Drive. A police spokesman told the Austin American-Statesman that the man involved in the incident was the only person in the car at the time.

A preliminary investigation indicates the man was apparently speeding while traveling east on Steck Avenue when he ran a red light, flipped the car over and crashed into a back wall of the business.

Austin Fire Department personnel extracted the victim, who is believed to be in his 20s. But he was already dead at the scene by the time they arrived, with Austin-Travis County EMS medics making the official pronouncement.

“Speed was clearly a factor, and we are investigating whether alcohol was a factor,” police sergeant Carlos Dominguez told the Statesman.

No other injuries were reported.

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