Victim of late-night crash identified

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The man who was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver being pursued by police has been identified as Robert Joel Benn, 64.

According to police reports, an Austin police officer began following a driver in a Lincoln Navigator who was showing signs of intoxication. Police said that after tailing the car for a period of time, the officer turned on his lights and attempted to pull the driver over.

Aust Police Department Sgt. Richard Stresing said the driver did not stop but kept driving around 20 miles per hour and appeared to be throwing beer cans out the window.

The chase continued at that speed until Airport Boulevard and Bolm Road, when the driver suddenly hit the gas and ran a red light.

In that intersection, authorities said the suspect slammed into a Dodge Charger. The driver of the other car, Benn, died on the scene.

The suspect, who is still not identified, is in police custody and is at University Medical Center Brackenridge recovering from minor injuries. This is the 44th traffic fatality of the year.