Police seek woman who stole truck and crashed on bike
Austin detectives link a suspect to a hit-and-run on Research Boulevard and are offering a cash reward for information.
By Jack Weber ·
Austin police are asking the public to help identify a woman they believe stole a white Ford F-250 and later crashed it on Research Boulevard. The department has released surveillance footage showing the suspect at the scene of the theft and fleeing the accident site.
The incident began on the evening of Oct. 6, around 9:40 p.m. On that night, the 2011 truck was taken from a mechanic shop located in the 7200 block of the westbound service road of US Highway 290. The following morning, near 7:40 a.m. on Oct. 7, the vehicle struck another car in the 7900 block of northbound Research Boulevard. The driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries in the collision.
According to police records, the truck driver left the crash site without exchanging information. She fled the area on a yellow bicycle that was stored in the truck bed. Investigators now believe the woman seen in the surveillance video stealing the vehicle is the same person who escaped the scene of the accident.
The suspect is described as a Black or Hispanic female, approximately 45 to 50 years old, and heavyset. She has crooked teeth and was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt, jeans, and shoes that are gray and white. Police are urging anyone who recognizes her appearance, walk, or mannerisms to come forward.
Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program. Residents can visit austincrimestoppers.org or call 512-472-8477. The program offers a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest.
Detectives continue to review the surveillance footage and investigate the timeline of events. The department has not announced a specific deadline for submitting tips in this case.
