The man accused of plowing into a group of people at the South By Southwest festival has been charged.
"A man suspected of drunken driving is charged with capital murder in the deaths of two people at the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas." (Via NBC)
KCEN reports police attempted to pull over 21-year-old Rashad Owens around 12:30 a.m. Thursday for not having his vehicle's headlights on, but Owens allegedly took off. (Via KCEN)
"Police say Owens sped up as he drove through the crowd on Red River Street then got out of the car and ran." (Via KHOU)
According to KSAT, the police affidavit states Owens admitted to seeing flashing lights in his rearview mirror, but he was scared to pull over because there are warrants out for his arrest and did not want to go to jail.
The Daily Texan reports Owens allegedly injured 23 people and killed two others, 35-year-old Steven Craenmehr and 27-year-old Jamie West. The police affidavit reads, "Victims were reported to have been flying everywhere as they were being struck by the Honda."
According to KXAN, Owens was allegedly driving under the influence. "Police say Owens took a breath test and blew a .114. The legal limit in Texas is .08."
The Austin American-Statesman reports this would not be Owens' first DUI, "Public records show Owens pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2011."
According to KVUE, Owens' penalty is not yet clear. "A judge set Owens' bail at $3 million. Even if the the District Attorney's office does not pursue the death penalty, he could spend the rest of his life in prison."
WFAA says six people are still in the hospital.
"Tonight, we know Deandre Tatum is still listed in critical in the ICU. His girlfriend, Kartisha Davis, is listed in good condition."
KVUE added there is a long legal process facing Owens due to the large number of victims and witnesses involved in the incident.
