Original article no longer available
KVUE News
08:03 AM CDT on Tuesday, October 2, 2007
By SHELTON GREEN
Investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety are counting on a driver who killed a south Austin cyclist in July to turn himself into authorities.
On Monday afternoon the D.P.S. issued an arrest warrant for 43-year old Richard Alan Lee. He’s being charged with intoxication manslaughter, a 2nd degree felony.
Toxicology tests results listed in Lee’s arrest warrant affidavit suggests he was under the influence of 5-different prescription drugs at the time of the accident, Xanax, Zoloft, Lamisil, Soma, and Equinil. Most of the drugs are anti-depressants and one is a muscle relaxant.
The affidavit also says that Lee had red, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech after the crash.
As of Monday evening D.P.S. investigators were having difficulty reaching Lee. They say his phone number has been disconnected and he is no longer at the address they had listed for him.
Intoxication manslaughter is a second degree felony that could mean two to 20-years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
“This kind of thing we have happen all the time on our streets and roadways when somebody makes mistakes, but when they make mistakes that involve violations of the law charges should be pressed” says Fred Meredith, a cycling instructor and riding partner of Vilhelm Hesness.