Police say robbery suspect was killed after being struck by 18-wheeler

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Police say a robbery suspect was struck and killed by an 18-wheeler after fleeing police Tuesday afternoon. 

Police said reports of a robbery and assault at a nearby Shell gas station came in around 1:45 p.m. 

Around 2:15 p.m. police were investigating a serious crash that happened in the 7500 block of North Interstate Highway 35.

With the help of another 18-wheeler officers shutdown the northbound lanes of 35. Traffic slowed to a crawl as it had to be rerouted of the interstate during the investigation. Traffic was backed up from 183 all the way to downtown.

“We got a call of a robbery at the shell gas station just north of St. Johns on the north bound frontage of I-35,” said Lieutenant Ken Hubbs with the Austin Police Department.

The victim told police they were assaulted and robbed inside their vehicle. 

Officials said a white female fled in a tan car and a black male suspect fled on foot. 

Police say the woman could possibility be in her 40s and the suspect was in his 30s. 

The female suspect is still at large.

According to police the suspect attempted to cross the busy highway when he was hit by the 18-wheeler. 

“We don't have any witnesses besides the officer that saw him last,” said Lt Hubbs.

According to Austin Travis County EMS the suspect was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center with critical life-threatening injuries but later died. 

Police are still seeking the driver of the 18-wheeler who they believe may not have known they hit anyone. 

Authorities say I-35 northbound was closed from Highway 290 to Rundberg Lane however, the highway has since be reopened. 

If you have any information you are urged to contact police.