City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
Case: 21-0421601
Date: February 11, 2021
Time: 9:54 p.m.
Location: 5000 block of W. 290/Mopac (Flyover)
Deceased: Eric Anthony Torres, Hispanic male, 2/24/1987
Arrested: Victor Sverdlin, White male, 33 years of age
The preliminary investigation shows that Eric Anthony Torres was driving a silver, 2007 Nissan Versa over the 290/Mopac flyover when he hit a retaining wall. Mr. Torres exited his vehicle to assess the damage when Victor Sverdlin attempted to drive around him in a grey, 2014 Toyota Avalon. The Avalon began sliding toward the Versa due to the icy conditions at which time Eric Torres was forced over the edge of the flyover and fell to the grassy hill below.
Austin Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMS personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but Eric Torres was ultimately pronounced deceased on scene.
Victor Sverdlin was arrested for driving while intoxicated and booked into the Travis County Jail. His booking photo is being withheld pending lineups.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974-6873. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.
This is Austin’s 17th fatal traffic crash of 2021, resulting in 18 fatalities for the year. On the date of this crash in 2020, there were 17 fatal crashes resulting in 18 fatalities.
These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.