City of Austin
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Contact: Contact: Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
Case: 20-410096
Date: February 10, 2020
Time: 1:35 a.m.
Location: Rutland Dr. and Mearns Meadow Blvd.
Arrested: Elmer Cortez-Reyes, Hispanic male, 21 years of age
Deceased: James A. Mares, White male, (D.O.B. 9-2-94)
The preliminary investigation shows that a 2009, black Mitsubishi Lancer was traveling at a high rate of speed, westbound in the inside lane of Rutland Dr. The Mitsubishi ran the red light at Mearns Meadow and struck the passenger side of a 2001, blue Saturn sedan. Prior to the crash, the Saturn was heading north in the inside lane of Mearns Meadow Blvd. and had a green light.
The driver of the Mitsubishi was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter. The driver of the Saturn was pronounced deceased on scene.
APD is investigating this case. Anyone with information regarding this case should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974-4424. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.
This is Austin’s 14th fatal traffic crash of 2020, resulting in 14 fatalities this year. At this time in 2019, there were seven traffic fatalities.
These statements are based on the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.
Booking photo: Elmer Cortez-Reyes