Police ID Suspect, Victim In Fatal Hit-And-Run Fatality In South Austin

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX -- Police identified both the victim and suspect in a fatal hit-and-run crash earlier this month in South Austin.

Jesus Juarez Jr., 23, was arrested after allegedly hitting a pedestrian on Aug. 20 just after 11 p.m. at the intersection of West William Cannon Drive and Bill Hughes Road. The deceased man was identified as 58-year-old Douglas C. Hohenshell,

A police preliminary investigation found that a Chevrolet Malibu was traveling westbound on West William Cannon Drive on approach to the corner of Bill Hughes Road, with a green light controlling westbound traffic when the car hit a pedestrian walking northbound in the intersection crosswalk.

Hohenshell was transported to South Austin Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, where he died five days later. Police noted that he had disregarded the traffic light meant for pedestrian traffic as he traversed the crosswalk.

The driver who hit Hohenshell fled the scene but was located a short time later, police said. Police later charged Juarez with failure to stop and render aid. A toxicology report is still pending on the pedestrian to determine if alcoholic consumption played a role in his death.

Police continue to investigate the incident, and urge any member of the public with information to call them them at (512) 974-5576. Tips also can be submitted by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

Police noted Hohenshell's death represented the 44th traffic fatality this year. At this point last year, there were 66 traffic fatalities.

>>> Photo of Jesus Juarez, Jr., courtesy of Austin Police Department