Driver accused of hitting person walking in Downtown Austin - KXAN.com
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A driver has been charged with intoxication assault after police say he drove up onto a downtown sidewalk and hit someone walking. The arrest warrant says Michael Hernandez, 38, was heading east on Fourth Street at 2:19 a. m. Sunday when his Chrysler 300M drove up on the curb and hit a sign – which then hit someone walking nearby, lacerating their head. The pedestrian also suffered a broken leg after being hit by the vehicle according to police. The car broke down at Fourth Street and Congress Avenue, so police say Hernandez pushed the car out of the road. The same witness who told police what happened also followed Hernandez and identified him to the responding officers, according to police. Police say when they caught up with Hernandez, he smelled strongly of alcohol and had bloodshot, glassy eyes. Speaking with a mumbled, slurred speech, Hernandez was reportedly swaying, staggering and wobbling about. Hernandez’s criminal history shows a murder conviction in 1994. Other convictions from 9 years ago include assaulting a family member, making a terroristic threat and driving while intoxicated. Bail was set at $50,000. The affidavit also noted Hernandez is not allowed to “operate any vehicle” upon his release. Source: kxan.com
