City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
Case: 20-2950145
Date: October 21, 2020
Time: 3:04 a.m.
Location: 7400 block of N. IH-35 NB
Deceased: Armando De La Cruz, Hispanic male, (D.O.B 6/12/1987)
The preliminary investigation shows that a 2009 18-wheeler semi was traveling northbound in one of the inside lanes in the 7400 block of N. IH-35 NB when he moved over for an APD vehicle that had activated its lights to respond to a pedestrian the officer had observed walking against the inside concrete barrier. At the same time, Armando De La Cruz, the pedestrian, sprinted eastbound into the path of the oncoming semi and was struck.
Mr. De La Cruz was pronounced on scene.
The driver of the truck remained at the crash site and cooperated with the investigation.
It does not appear that speed, lighting or driver impairment were factors in this crash.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974-6935. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.
This is Austin’s 71st fatal traffic crash of 2020, resulting in 76 fatalities this year. At this time in 2019, there were 67 traffic fatalities.
These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.