On Thursday, July 4, 2024, at approximately 1:09 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a collision between two vehicles in the 11800 block of Research Boulevard Northbound. A blue SUV was stalled in a lane of traffic when a gray SUV struck it from behind. The passenger of the blue SUV was pronounced deceased on the scene, and the driver was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the gray SUV sustained minor injuries and was later arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI).
The deceased has been identified as an Asian male. The arrested individual is Calory Wabusia, a Black male aged 54.
This incident marks Austin's 39th fatal crash of 2024, resulting in 40 fatalities for the year. Comparatively, by this date in 2023, there had been 51 fatal crashes resulting in 51 fatalities.
These statements are based on the initial assessment of the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing. Fatality information may change as more details become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact APD's Vehicular Homicide unit at 512-974-8111. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.