Kyle man killed in hit and run

TRAFFIC FATALITY

San Marcos and Texas State University Police as well as bystanders worked together Friday night in the wake of a fatal hit-and-run near the city’s Nature Center.

Police, fire and EMS responded to the intersection of Riverside and the West Access Road of Interstate 35 at approximately 7:15 p.m.

Tyrus Dennis Piano, 48, of Kyle was found down at the scene and confirmed dead by San Marcos/ Hays County EMS, police said in a press release issued Saturday morning.

There were witnesses. The press release said some who saw the incident occur told officers vehicle that turned out to be a 1998 Toyota van jumped a curve and struck Piano, who was walking on a sidewalk.

A passenger in the van jumped out and attempted to flee the scene; however Texas State University officers who were nearby took that person into custody.

The driver of the van, who the city declined to identify, also attempted to flee the scene. He took the turnaround under the interstate by the San Marcos River and jumped another curb, going on to strike a tree.

Bystanders helped the driver out of the van and held him until police took him into custody.

Piano was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Joann Prado. Stark said his identity will be released on Monday after he is magistrated.

The driver was taken to Central Texas Medical Center to have his blood drawn pursuant to a blood search warrant. He was booked into Hays County Jail on a charge of intoxication manslaughter, a second-degree felony punishable by a prison sentence of from two to 20 years.

The Daily Record was not permitted to speak directly to police about the incident.