Austin, TX — A 21-year-old woman has been arrested and charged with intoxication assault after allegedly running over four pedestrians outside a Raising Cane’s restaurant in downtown Austin early Thursday morning.
According to an arrest affidavit, the crash occurred around 2:21 a.m. on October 31 at the Raising Cane’s located at 1819 San Antonio Street. When officers arrived, they found multiple people injured in the parking lot.
Incident Overview
Police say Antonia Garcia Rios was identified as the driver of a Ford F-150 that struck the pedestrians. Garcia Rios told officers she and several friends had been partying on 6th Street earlier that night before stopping at Raising Cane’s to get food.
“The group then went to Raising Cane’s in the drive-thru lane,” the affidavit stated. “While in the lane, the driver got out to use the restroom inside the restaurant.”
Garcia Rios reportedly climbed into the driver’s seat while the original driver was inside but was unable to start the vehicle because the key was with the person inside the building.
When the driver returned and sat in the backseat with the key, the truck’s engine restarted. That’s when, according to FOX 7 Austin, Garcia Rios pressed on the gas, causing the vehicle to jerk forward and drive onto the sidewalk, hitting several people standing nearby.
Victims and Injuries
Four pedestrians were struck by the truck, with three taken to a nearby hospital for serious injuries. One of the victims was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
“Video surveillance showed the truck accelerating unexpectedly and jumping the curb before colliding with pedestrians on the sidewalk,” police said in their report.
Officers conducted a field sobriety test and determined that Garcia Rios appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the crash. She was taken into custody shortly afterward.
Arrest and Charges
Garcia Rios was arrested and charged with intoxication assault, a second-degree felony in Texas. She was booked into the Travis County Jail, and authorities confirmed she may face additional charges depending on the victims’ medical outcomes.
“Intoxication assault is a serious offense that occurs when a person operating a motor vehicle under the influence causes serious bodily injury to another,” the affidavit noted.
Police continue to investigate whether excessive speed or reckless driving also played a role in the crash.
Community and Legal Response
The incident has raised renewed concern about late-night drunk driving near Austin’s entertainment districts, particularly along 6th Street. Public safety officials have urged residents to use rideshare services and avoid driving after drinking.
Austin police are also reminding the public that DUI and intoxication-related crashes tend to spike around weekends and holidays.
“We want people to have fun but be responsible,” an Austin Police spokesperson said. “There are always safe options to get home — a choice that can prevent tragedies like this.”
Garcia Rios remains in custody as of this week and is expected to appear in court in the coming days.
What are your thoughts on this incident and the ongoing efforts to curb drunk driving in Austin? Share your views in the comments below.
