City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
Case: 20-0890263
Date: March 29, 2020
Time: 5:17 a.m.
Location: 5200 S. FM 973
Deceased: Harrison Thomas Beard, Jr. | Black male | 5/26/1964
The preliminary investigation shows that the driver of a red, 2017 Dodge RAM was traveling southbound in the 5200 block of S. FM 973 when he crossed the center lane for an unknown reason and struck an oncoming tan, 2001 Ford F150. The driver of the Ford F150, Harrison Thomas Beard, Jr., died on scene. The driver of the Dodge RAM was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Anyone with information regarding this case should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974-8544. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.
This is Austin’s 23rd fatal traffic crash of 2020, resulting in 24 fatalities this year. At this time in 2019, there were 14 traffic fatalities.
These statements are based on the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.