AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man was arrested and charged after hitting a pedestrian with his vehicle and attempting to flee the scene afterward, according to Travis County court documents. The pedestrian had critical, life-threatening injuries because of the incident.
It happened Thursday, July 25 around 6 a.m. near the intersection of Georgian Drive and Oertli Lane in north Austin.
Police responded to the area after a witness called 911 saying they saw a Honda Civic hit a pedestrian.
The affidavit identified the driver of the Honda as Aiona Key, 37. KXAN has reached out to his attorney for a comment on the charges.
According to the affidavit, Key was driving on Georgian Drive and veered to the right off the roadway, then went onto the sidewalk where he hit the pedestrian, then he kept driving on the sidewalk and hit a utility pole.
Key tried to start the Honda and drive away, but the vehicle was disabled after hitting the pole, the affidavit said. He then got out of the Honda and was standing near it when the officer arrived on scene.
The affidavit said Key ran from the officer for about 0.2 miles until he laid down and tried to hide in vegetation, and then the officer took him into custody.
The affidavit said Key never went to check on the pedestrian after the crash, and camera footage showed him attempting to drive away afterward.
Key at the time had bloodshot, glassy eyes, stuttered speech, staggered walking, acted “disoriented,” and had an odor of alcohol coming from his breath, according to the affidavit.
The victim did not have a pulse on scene after the crash, but EMS personnel were able to perform CPR and bring the pulse back. The victim was later transported to Dell Seton, where they were treated for several injuries and considered to be in a life-threatening state.
Key was booked into the Travis County jail and charged with intoxication assault with a vehicle, evading arrest, and accident involving serious bodily injury. He’s being held on a bond totaling $155,000.