Latesha Washington Killed in Austin Multi-Vehicle Crash on Dessau Road; Octavia Scales Arrested

Austin, Texas (May 20, 2021) – According to the police, one person was killed Monday afternoon in a multi-vehicle crash in northeast Austin.

The fatal crash happened around 1:51 p.m., May 17, in the 12200 block of Dessau Road.

Police said Octavia Antoinette Scales, 36, was driving a Toyota Corolla northbound at a high rate of speed when she crashed into a Dodge Ram, an Infiniti, and a Capital Metro bus.

The force of the impact pushed the bus into an Audi.

Latesha D. Washington, 46, who was a passenger in the Toyota was taken to the hospital where she later died.

Scales admitted to the officers that she had been smoking marijuana while driving. She was arrested and has been charged with second-degree felony intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle.

Scales has multiple arrests and convictions for drug and driving while intoxicated offenses, according to APD.

The police are investigating the crash.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

While there are many causes of car accidents, the most common reasons of driver negligence include driver inattention; cell phone use; texting and driving; speeding; fatigue; failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign or private drive; running a red light; and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Attorney Joel A. Gordon said. Mr. Gordon believes that an independent investigation is important. An Attorney will help obtain the crash report, secure accident photos, interview witnesses, and create a claim.

To speak with an attorney,  Click to call: 281-943-5555.