Woman killed in road rage incident in North Austin
AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department (APD) is asking for the community's help in gathering information regarding a shooting that led to a 46-year-old woman's death.
On Saturday, Sept. 30, around 6 p.m., officers responded to a crash in the 8500 block of N I-35 southbound service road.
An automatic emergency call to 9-1-1 happened after an Apple iPhone detected a possible crash. Call takers indicated there was an open line, however, no one was speaking. Minutes later, additional 9-1-1 callers reported that a vehicle with a non-responsive driver rolled down the exit ramp of I-35.
Police say the vehicle crashed into a guardrail.
Officers arrived on the scene and located the vehicle. The injuries were "not consistent" with those typically seen in a car crash.
The driver, 46-year-old Teressa Ferguson, had a gunshot wound. Ferguson died on the scene.
Austin Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene and interview witnesses.
"I can't stress the importance of trying to find who the suspect is in this case and getting them arrested. This is somebody that's a dangerous individual. It doesn't appear that there was any kind of altercation or anything other than the collision that would've spurred this incident," Det. Israel Pina with Austin police said.
Detectives are asking anyone with information or dash cam video to speak up.
"We know the area was saturated with cars and pedestrians and people, and we just need the right people to come forward," Pina said.
Officers say Ferguson was driving a black Ford Mustang, and a gray four-door sedan may have been involved in the crash.
In general, if you find yourself in a crash, officers say you should find a safe, populated place to pull over. Plus, be respectful to other drivers.
"This is my second road rage homicide of this year that I've personally worked. Over in aggravated assault, they have a few cases that come in, I think even weekly, with road rage incidents. I think we all just need to be a little more courteous as we're driving," Pina said.
This investigation is still active and ongoing.
No arrests have been made at this time.
Anyone with any information should contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.