A fatal crash on East U.S. Highway 290 in Austin led to the arrest of a 32-year-old driver for intoxication manslaughter.
The Arrest and Charge
In the early hours of Saturday, a fatal collision on East U.S. Highway 290 prompted an immediate police response and led to the arrest of a 32-year-old driver. According to the Austin Police Department, officers arrived at the 8400 block of the highway around 3:30 a.m. and found a scene involving an SUV and a tow truck. The driver of the SUV, identified as Jordan M. Atkins, was taken into custody and charged with intoxication manslaughter. Atkins, who was traveling with an unidentified woman, was transported to a police facility for booking. The woman, who was also a passenger in the SUV, was pronounced dead at the scene. The arrest and charge followed standard procedure for cases involving suspected impaired driving resulting in a fatality.
The Crash Details
The incident on the 8400 block of East U.S. Highway 290 involved a collision between an SUV and a tow truck. Officers reported a head-on impact that caused significant damage. The driver of the SUV, Jordan M. Atkins, remained at the scene while the tow truck driver also stayed. The SUV was traveling northbound, the tow truck southbound. The crash resulted in the death of the woman passenger in the SUV, and the tow truck driver was treated for minor injuries before being released. The scene was secured and evidence collected for analysis. The SUV’s front bumper was heavily dented, and debris from the collision was scattered across the shoulder. The highway’s guardrail was also damaged.
Police Investigation and Austin’s Fatal Crash Count
The Austin Police Department has classified this incident as the city’s 89th fatal crash of 2025, placing it within the region’s traffic safety concerns. Investigators are examining vehicle records, dash-cam footage, and witness statements to determine the sequence of events that led to the collision. The charge of intoxication manslaughter indicates evidence of alcohol or drug impairment contributing to the crash. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities request cooperation from the public for additional information. Officials are also reviewing traffic camera footage from nearby intersections to determine if any traffic violations preceded the crash. This data will help clarify the chain of events.
Current Status and Next Steps
As of Wednesday, no attorney has been publicly identified for Jordan M. Atkins. The Austin Police Department has stated that they are awaiting the appointment of legal counsel for the defendant. The department has also indicated that a formal statement will be issued once an attorney is found and the defendant’s legal representative has provided a comment. In the meantime, the department continues to monitor the case and will update the public as new information becomes available. The arrest of Atkins is part of a broader effort by city officials to address impaired driving incidents that have resulted in fatalities. The authorities are also coordinating with the medical examiner to confirm the cause of death and rule out any secondary factors.
Legal Charge Details
Intoxication manslaughter applies when an impaired state leads to a fatality. The Austin Police Department determined Jordan M. Atkins was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the collision. Evidence includes blood alcohol concentration tests at the scene and toxicology reports from the medical examiner’s office. The charge indicates the impairment was significant enough to be a contributing factor in the passenger’s death. This charge carries potential prison time and a substantial fine if convicted.
Timeline of Events
The sequence began in the early hours of Saturday. Officers received a call around 3:20 a.m. about a collision on East U.S. Highway 290. By 3:30 a.m., they arrived, observed the SUV and tow truck head-on collision, secured the area, and assessed injuries. Jordan M. Atkins was taken into custody shortly after the initial assessment. He was booked and processed at the police station before being charged with intoxication manslaughter. Authorities continue gathering evidence and await legal counsel for the defendant.
Victim
The victim, an unidentified woman, was traveling in the passenger seat of the SUV when the collision occurred. She was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. No additional information about the passenger has been released by the Austin Police Department. The department has stated that the victim’s identity remains confidential pending further investigation and the completion of the coroner’s report. The loss of life has prompted a community response, with local residents expressing condolences and urging caution on the highway during early morning hours.
Broader Context of Impaired Driving
Austin has seen a rise in impaired-driving incidents over the past year, prompting officials to launch new safety campaigns. The Austin Police Department increased patrols on major highways during nighttime hours and partnered with local hospitals to provide resources for drivers struggling with substance abuse. Citizens are encouraged to report suspected impaired driving immediately to 911. These measures aim to reduce fatal crashes and protect road users.
Legal Process
Following the arrest, Jordan M. Atkins will be held in custody pending arraignment. If the defendant chooses to plead guilty, he may face a sentencing hearing that could impose a prison term and a fine. If he contests the charge, the case will proceed to trial, where evidence will be presented to a judge or jury. The Austin Police Department will continue to work with the prosecutor’s office to build a case that reflects the severity of the offense and the loss of life caused by the driver’s impaired conduct.
Key Takeaways
- 32-year-old Jordan M. Atkins arrested for intoxication manslaughter.
- Fatal crash on East U.S. Highway 290 was Austin’s 89th fatal crash of 2025.
- No attorney identified for Atkins as of Wednesday; case remains under investigation.
Closing
The arrest of Jordan M. Atkins highlights the serious consequences of impaired driving on Austin’s roads. The city’s police department remains focused on enforcing traffic safety laws and preventing future tragedies. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, report suspicious driving, and prioritize sober transportation. As the investigation progresses, authorities will keep the public informed about new findings and any legal developments related to this fatal crash for the community today.
