AUSTIN, Texas – An off-duty Poteet police officer was killed Wednesday morning after he was hit by an alleged drunk driver in Austin, according to Austin PD.
Police responded to a call just after 2 a.m. in the 11700 block of N Mopac Expressway after someone reported that a vehicle struck a pedestrian. The area is currently a construction zone and the accident occurred on the service road.
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Jeffrey Richardson, 35, was working a contract job directing traffic when he was hit. He was taken to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center where he later died, according to information from the Austin Police Department.
Investigators identified the driver as Lindsay Smith, 26. Police say she stayed at the scene after the accident.
According to APD officials, Smith was given a sobriety test at the scene and a warrant was issued for a blood draw. The results of that blood draw weren’t provided by police but APD officials said she was booked into Travis County Jail on intoxication assault charges. Her bond has been set at $250,000.
The Poteet police chief issued the following statement:
“The Poteet Police Department mourns the tragic loss of Poteet Police Res. Officer Jeffrey Richardson, 35, who was tragically killed this morning while working off-duty in Austin, Texas.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Richardson family. We offer our sincerest condolence for this monumental loss.
“When tragedy strikes, faith is what makes things bearable. The Poteet Police Department will continue to be here to lean on during this significant time of need. That’s what the thin blue line signifies.
“I want to especially thank Round Rock Police Chief Banks and Austin Police Chief Chacon and their departments for their unbelievable show of love, concern and support. I thank the St. David’s Round Rock Hospital medical staff who attended to Richardson and for the respect they showed him as they lined the halls and street outside the hospital as the procession drove by with his body. I would also like to thank Sheriff David Soward and all Atascosa County law enforcement agencies for their pledges of support, as well as TMPA and the 100 club.
Myself, LT Rodriguez, Officers’ DeLuna, Aragon and Gonzalez, along with other law enforcement agencies escorted Officer Richardson’s body to the Medical Examiner’s office in Georgetown, TX. I was in awe that nearly every driver on the highway ramp stood outside their cars as the procession drove by.”