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Alleged drunk driver runs red light, kills man in East Austin crash, police say

According to an arrest affidavit, the crash happened at the intersection of East Seventh Street and Springdale Road at approximately 10:25 p.m.

AUSTIN, Texas — An alleged drunk driver has been arrested by Austin police after he was reportedly involved in a fatal car crash in East Austin Wednesday night.

According to an arrest affidavit, the crash happened at the intersection of East Seventh Street and Springdale Road at approximately 10:25 p.m.

Police said when they arrived on scene, they found Duane Harris, 29, on a sidewalk outside of his vehicle in pain. Harris was observed to have glassy eyes and his breath smelled like alcohol, according to police.

Police said Harris was driving eastbound on Seventh Street when he ran a red light and hit the victim's vehicle, who was traveling northbound on Springdale Road. Police said the force of the impact caused the suspect's Lexus and the victim's Volkswagen to strike a Jeep Cherokee that was stopped at the light. 

The victim, identified as Javier Emanuel Nino-Esparza, died on scene as a result of the crash. Harris was taken to a local hospital for treatment after the crash, along with two of the occupants in his vehicle.

A man who was traveling with Harris at the time of the crash allegedly told police that he and Harris were drinking beer and smoking marijuana while "riding around." Police said they also found an opened beer can in Harris' vehicle.

Harris has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and his bond is set at $40,000.

Anyone with more information is asked to call 512-974-5594.

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