Albert Arana Killed in Hit-and-Run on FM 973 in Travis County, TX
UPDATE (December 19, 2022): Sources have identified the victim of this incident as 43-year-old Albert Arana. The search continues for the driver that struck Arana and fled.
Travis County, TX — December 6, 2022, an unidentified pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run on Farm to Market Road 973 in southeast Travis County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 9:30 p.m. on FM 973 near Platt Lane. Investigators believe the victim was on foot in the area when they were hit by a vehicle, thought to be a 2016 to 2018 model Dodge Ram pickup based on evidence left at the scene.
The pedestrian was fatally injured and was later discovered by a passerby.
The investigation is ongoing as police seek more information about the hit-and-run vehicle, which they say may have damage to its front-right headlight area.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Albert Arana Hit-and-Run in Travis County
It's always frustrating and disappointing to read about incidents like this one in the news. Whatever compelled the driver to leave the scene, it's clearly important to track them down and see that they face justice. It doesn't seem like there are many leads so far, but it's encouraging that authorities seem to have an idea of the vehicle make and model they're looking for. Hopefully someone will spot a Dodge Ram with some suspicious damage in the area and call a tip line.
In the meantime police should continue looking for witnesses, more forensic data from the scene, or hopefully even video footage from nearby traffic, home, or business cameras. If they find anything of the sort, they should then share the new developments with the public. It may take a little time, but if everyone stays vigilant and cooperates I'm hopeful a suspect can be located.
Once that happens hopefully investigators will find out what compelled them to abandon the scene and the person they injured. They might simply have panicked, but in many cases something else (illegal contraband, outstanding warrants, drunk driving) contributed to their poor decision. Only time and thorough investigation could say, but I think most would agree that the victim's loved ones deserve the whole story.
