Driver charged with failing to stop

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Larry Kimble has been charged with failure to stop and render aid after leaving the scene of a fatal traffic accident on New Year's Day.

According to the arrest warrant, Kimble, 54, struck and killed Kelsey Anna Rodriguez, 20, on Interstate 35, then drove away from the scene of the accident just after 5 p.m. on Jan. 1.

A witness said a vehicle had struck and killed Rodriguez as she tried to cross the freeway on foot. The driver of the vehicle never stopped at the crash site and continued to drive northbound on Interstate 35.

The driver, however, left his license plate at the scene. A second witness pointed the Austin police officer to a damaged Honda Civic parked on a side street with damage consistent with hitting a pedestrian.

An hour later, Kimble called police and reported he had been involved in a crash on Interstate 35 and possibly struck a pedestrian. His vehicle was six blocks from the crash site. According to the arrest warrant, Kimble had minor injuries and was transported to St. Davis' South Austin Medical Center.

Kimble admitted to police he had failed to stop and render aid. Texas Department of Public Safety records showed multiple suspensions to Kimble's license, including safety violations. At the time of the crash, Kimble's license was suspended. He also had a prior conviction of driving without a license.

Kimble was charged with failure to stop and render aid, a felony. His bail was set at $7,500.