AUSTIN, Texas – On Saturday, September 3, 2022, Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a call about a male pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle in the parking lot of 9200 N. Lamar Blvd. The pedestrian suffered from severe, life-threatening injuries. APD officers, AFD, and EMS, responded to the scene where he was taken to the hospital by EMS.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the pedestrian was crossing the parking lot in his electric wheelchair when he noticed a vehicle driving recklessly. He signaled the driver to slow down. At that time, the driver struck the pedestrian and fled the scene. Patrol officers were able to obtain surveillance footage of the incident.
During the investigation, APD communications personnel, Region 2 Metro Tac Unit, and several northeast area command patrol officers assisted APD detectives in identifying the suspect vehicle and suspect as Pablo Antonio Avila-Banagas, 17.
Mr. Avila-Banagas was booked into Travis County Jail on September 9, 2022. He’s charged with Failure to Stop and Render Aid (serious bodily injury), a 3rd Degree Felony, Injury to a Disabled Person, a 2nd Degree Felony, Unlawful Carry of a Weapon (firearm); a Class A Misdemeanor, and Failure to Identify in Relation to this Case; a Class B Misdemeanor.
The investigation remains ongoing.
APD
