Police Say People Are Throwing Rocks at Cars on Interstate 35 in Austin, Texas

By Jack Phillips
February 9, 2016 11:02 am Last Updated: February 9, 2016 1:12 pm
Google Maps

Police in Austin, Texas, are warning drivers about people throwing rocks at cars on Interstate 35.

A week ago, a woman was driving down I-35 when a rock struck her in the neck after it broke through her windshield.

Tina Morales told Fox San Antonio that she was hit by a rock as her husband, Kevin, was driving down I-35.

According to a 911 call, her friend told the operator: “Somebody threw a rock or something and it hit me in the shoulder. It might have been a rock or a bullet.”

“I think if it wouldn’t have hit [her husband] Frank and slowed down just a little bit on his shoulder I probably wouldn’t be here,” Morales said.

Meanwhile, KHOU-TV reported there have been more than 50 rock-throwing incidents on I-35 between midnight and 5 a.m. since June 2014. The rocks have been thrown at cars from the upper deck of I-35 between Braker Lane and Riverside Drive. No suspect or suspects have been identified, and authorities have no leads.

“Terrifying to have a rock come through your window..can’t imagine it … can’t imagine it,” said driver Jacqueline McClure, according to KHOU.

She said some people try to avoid the lower deck on I-35.

“I would always take the upper deck, I never go down on the lower deck,” said McClure. “And lately when I go North, cause my daughter lives North, I take Lamar.”

It’s become such a serious issue that an ambulance operated by Williamson County EMS was hit by a rock earlier this month, KXAN reported. Officials say the front hood was damaged. Around the same time, an Uber driver was struck by a rock in the same area.