TEMPLE, Texas – A man, attempting to avoid a pursuing officer, died after he ran into traffic and was struck by a vehicle Wednesday morning on Interstate 35, Temple police said.
The subject, who has yet to be identified, was taken to the hospital in “critical condition” but later died of injuries sustained in the accident, according to a news release.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers are assisting with the investigation.
The accident occurred over an hour after Temple police were dispatched – at about 7:48 a.m. – to the 1200 block of Allegiance Bend. A caller had reported suspicious activity involving a black man wearing an orange shirt, police said
At about 8 a.m., a Temple police officer briefly interacted with the man and then determined, after a computer check, the man had a misdemeanor theft warrant, according to the release.
When the officer approached, the man ran toward a “wood line, evading arrest or detention,” police said.
Officers established a perimeter. A K-9 unit was called to assist with the search, the news release said.
At 8:44 a.m., the man was seen walking near the I-35 center divider. At 8:59 a.m., an officer exited their vehicle and pointed a Taser at the man. The man then ran into traffic and was struck by a vehicle, according to police.
After CPR was performed on the man, he was taken to the hospital, where he later died, police said.
The officer who pointed the Taser at the man has been placed on administrative leave with pay. An internal affairs investigation has been ordered, the release said.
“It should ... be remembered that the purpose of these investigations is to fact-find and determine what occurred during this incident,” Temple Police Chief Shawn Reynolds said in the release.
Police said the man’s identity will be released at a later time.
The investigation continues.
Anyone with information should contact Temple police at (254) 298-5500 or the Texas Rangers at (254) 247-0849.
