City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
Case: 20-2851548
Date: October 11, 2020
Time: 11:13 p.m.
Location: 6800 block of S. IH-35 SB Proper
Deceased: Jessica Sears, White female, (D.O.B 9/2/1987)
Arrested: Amber Thompson, 39
The preliminary investigation shows that the black, 2005 Dodge Ram being driven by Amber Thompson, was southbound in the 6800 block of S. IH-35 SB proper when it struck an impact attenuator (crash cushion) on the Slaughter Lane off ramp. The truck ricochet into the center lane of traffic and collided with the grey, 2013 Harley Davidson on which Jessica Sears was riding.
Jessica Sears was pronounced deceased on scene.
Amber Thompson, pictured below, was placed under arrest. She is charged with intoxication manslaughter.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case should call APD’s Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974-6935. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.
This is Austin’s 68th fatal traffic crash of 2020, resulting in 73 fatalities this year. At this time in 2019, there were 64 traffic fatalities.
Amber Thompson
These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.