Driver Arrested After Crash Through Fence at Texas Capitol

A fence outside the Texas Capitol remained mangled in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 10, 2023, after authorities said a driver crashed through the barrier and drove up the south steps of the building. Jim Vertuno/AP Photo

AUSTIN, Texas—A Texas woman has been arrested after an SUV she was allegedly driving crashed through a fence at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, authorities said.

Karla Morales Mateo, 25, drove the vehicle onto a sidewalk and dropped her two daughters, ages 4 and 2, out of the vehicle, then drove through the southwestern portion of the iron fence about 6:40 p.m. Thursday, according to a statement from Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Victor Taylor.