Driver Held in SXSW Fatal Accident Could Get Death Penalty

10 years, 1 month ago - 17 March 2014, Autoblog
Driver Held in SXSW Fatal Accident Could Get Death Penalty
Rashad Charjuan Owens, the driver who crashed through police barricades and into a crowd of people celebrating the SXSW festivities in Austin, Texas, killing two people and injuring dozens more, has been charged with capital murder and may get the death penalty.

Owens may also face multiple counts of aggravated assault by vehicle after hitting pedestrians, a woman on a moped, a man on a bicycle, a taxi and a van.

The 21-year-old had been driving the wrong way down a one-way street in an attempt to evade police, who had tried to pull him over on suspicion of drunk driving. After the accident, Owens attempted to flee on foot before being captured by police wielding Tasers. His bond sits at $3 million, according to CNN.

Witnesses on the scene have described the harrowing event as "like something out of a movie." Videos, some graphic, have been uploaded to YouTube and social media, making this accident stand out in the minds of Americans.

A video report from CNN can be seen here, but as we said, some footage may be disturbing.