Racing on Highway Leads to Serious Crash in Austin, One Suspect in Custody, Another at Large
A high-speed race on North IH 35 ended in a serious crash early Sunday morning, March 24, 2024, at approximately 2:50 a.m. The incident began when a red Hyundai became stalled in the 4600 block of N IH 35 NB. A black F-150 stopped behind the Hyundai, and moments later, a Dodge struck the rear of the F-150, causing it to flip onto the Hyundai.
The investigation revealed that a white Tesla and a blue Dodge had been racing since the area of N IH35 and 12th Street. The driver of the Tesla then assisted the driver of the Dodge and both fled the scene in the Tesla.
After a months-long investigation, authorities identified Andy Saldana Rocha and Jose Huerta as the drivers involved in the race. Under Texas Transportation Code, participants in “Racing on a Highway” can be charged, even if they were not directly involved in the collision.
Six victims have come forward, reporting injuries ranging from bodily injury to serious bodily injury. Jose Huerta Jr., 19, is currently in custody, but Andy Saldana Rocha, 20, remains at large.
The charges against the two men include:
- Andy Saldana Rocha:
- Five counts of Accident Involving Bodily Injury
- One count of Accident Involving Serious Bodily Injury
- Five counts of Racing on Highway Involving Bodily Injury
- One count of Racing on Highway Involving Serious Bodily Injury
- Jose Huerta, Jr.:
- Five counts of Racing on Highway Involving Bodily Injury
- One count of Racing on Highway Involving Serious Bodily Injury
Anyone with information about Andy Saldana Rocha’s whereabouts is urged to submit an anonymous tip through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
