City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: APD Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
Case: 24-0840278
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024
Time: 2:50 a.m.
Location: 4600 N IH 35 NB
On Sunday, March 24, 2024, at approximately 2:50 a.m., a red Hyundai was stalled out in the 4600 block of N IH 35 NB when a black F-150 came to a stop behind the Hyundai. Moments later, a Dodge hit the rear of the F-150 causing it to flip onto the Hyundai.
The investigation revealed that a white Tesla and a blue Dodge were racing since N IH35 and 12th Street, which led to the collision. The driver of the Tesla then assisted the driver of the Dodge and both fled the scene in the Tesla.
The months long investigation led to the identities of Andy Saldana Rocha and Jose Huerta as the drivers who were racing. In the State of Texas, any person who participates in “Racing on a Highway” can be charged for the offense whether they are involved in the collision or not under Texas Transportation Code, SEC 545.420.
In this case, six victims came forward who suffered bodily injury to serious bodily injury. Jose Huerta is currently in custody, but Andy Saldana Rocha remains at large.
Andy Saldana Rocha, Hispanic male, 20 years of age
(No photo)
Five counts of Accident Involving Bodily Injury
One count of Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury
Five counts of Racing on Highway Involving Bodily Injury
One count of Racing on Highway Involving Serious Bodily Injury
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Jose Huerta, Hispanic male, 19 years of age
Five counts of Racing on Highway Involving Bodily Injury
One count of Racing on Highway Involving Serious Bodily Injury
Anyone with any information may submit a 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.