Police Seek Potential Witness In Fatal North Austin Crash

NORTH AUSTIN, TX — Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating a possible witness to a recent hit-and-run crash that left a man dead.

The case stems from a March 13 collision along the 500 block of East Howard Lane that occurred at around 4:30 p.m. The site of the incident is at the intersection with Dessau Road.

According to a preliminary police investigation, Jack Krupski, 50, veered left for unknown reasons as he traveled in a red, 1981 Chevrolet Corvette along West Howard Lane. The vehicle struck the raised curb as a result before sliding across a large median — clearing a mature tree at the site as he did so.

The Corvette re-entered the roadway perpendicular to the eastbound side of West Howard Lane, at which point a dark gray, 2015 Chevrolet Colorado struck the passenger side of Krupski's car. He was rushed to Round Rock Hospital where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

Police said the significant distance covered by the Corvette indicates Krupski was travelling at a high rate of speed before he died. The driver of the Chevy Colorado sustained minor injuries that did not require medical treatment, police added.

In the course of the police investigation, the possibility of a witness has emerged. That potential witness was likely driving a white, silver or cream-colored Porsche Cayenne with temporary paper license plates that contain the letters "JPP" or "JJP" as part of the plate number. Police believe that vehicle caused some minor damage to the hood of the victim's vehicle at the corner of East Howard Lane and Dessau Road.

As police seek this witness, they ask anyone else with information about the collision to contact them by calling (512) 974-8544. Tips also can be submitted by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

The incident marked the 12th fatal traffic crash of 2018 in Austin, resulting in 13 fatalities so far this year. At this time in 2017, there were 11 fatal traffic crashes with as many traffic fatalities, police added.

In the hopes of locating the potential witness, police released images of the type of car that person was driving (see photo gallery above). Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of this potential witness should contact police at the aforementioned telephone number.

>>> Photos provided by Austin Police Department