Charges Filed In South Austin Hit-And-Run, Shooting

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX — A woman has been charged with murder after being accused of shooting a man and running him over with her car last week, according to reports.

Austin police arrested Cierra Adele Powell, 24, in connection to the hit-and-run collision that occurred on Thursday at the intersection of Oltorf Street and Huntwick Drive just before 3:10 p.m. The victim, Jason Aranda, 36, died at the scene.

It was originally believed that the incident was just a hit-and-run, but investigators later said the was shot before being struck by the car, according to an arrest affidavit filed on Saturday that was referenced by KXAN in a report. Police later said Powell and Aranda knew each other.

Related story: Pedestrian Killed By Car In South Austin

According to police documents, Aranda exited his car to confront Powell before she allegedly shot him — something she said she in self-defense fearing an attack, according to the report. According to the affidavit, a pistol with a fired cartridge casing was found in Powell's car.

An autopsy subsequently determined Aranda died of a gunshot wound, his death ruled a homicide. According to the affidavit, Aranda's 13-year-old son witnessed his father being killed.

It's unclear what prompted the actions Powell is accused of having committed. According to the report, Powell told police she had gotten a call from Aranda's ex-girlfriend who said Aranda had assaulted her.

Powell was booked into the Travis County Jail with a bond set at $150,000. A booking photo was unavailable.

>>> Read the full story at KXAN

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