Off-duty Poteet police officer dies after being hit by a drunk driver in Austin
The caller informed dispatch that Richardson was an off-duty Poteet police officer. Richardson was transported to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center where we eventually died from his injuries, according to the release.
The driver, Lindsay Smith, 26, stayed at the scene of the collision, which was in a construction zone on the NB service road. Smith took a sobriety test on the scene and Austin police received a warrant to take a blood sample, according to the release. She was arrested and charged with intoxication assault with bond set at $250,000.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Richardson family. We offer our sincerest condolence for this monumental loss,” said Poteet Police Chief Bruce Hickman in a Poteet Police Department Facebook post. “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.”
Hickman said the staff at St. David’s Round Rock Hospital Medical Center paid their respects by lining the halls and streets as a procession transported his body to the Georgetown Medical Examiner’s office.
“I was in awe that nearly every driver on the highway ramp stood outside their cars as the procession drove by,” Hickman said.
The crash is still under investigation.
