Case: 21-1370943

Date: May 17, 2021

Time: 1:51 p.m.

Location: 12000 block of Dessau Rd.

Deceased: Lateisha D. Washington, Black female, D.O.B. 3-24-75

The Austin Police Department (APD) has identified Lateisha Washington as the victim in the May 17^th fatality crash on Dessau Rd.
At approximately 1:51 p.m., APD Officers responded to the 12000 block of Dessau Rd. for a multi-vehicle collision. The initial investigation shows that a 2001 Toyota Corolla crashed into several vehicles that were stopped at the red light at the intersection of Dessau Rd. and Parmer Ln. The driver and passenger of the Toyota were transported to a local hospital for injuries. The passenger of the Toyota, Lateisha Washington, was later pronounced deceased as a result of the injuries she sustained in the crash. The driver of the Toyota, Octavia Antoinette Scales, was later arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter.
The four other drivers and two passengers involved in the crash were uninjured, remained on scene and are all cooperating with the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call APD's Vehicular Homicide Unit Detectives at (512) 974-4278, utilize the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app. You may remain anonymous.
You can also submit tips by downloading APD's mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

This is Austin's 41^st fatal traffic crash of 2021, resulting in 43 fatalities for the year. On the date of this crash in 2020, there were 34 fatal crashes resulting in 36 fatalities.

These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.