Traffic ticket dismissed against woman involved in officer's death

The traffic ticket against Ana Prado, the woman who police say caused the crash that ultimately killed Austin police officer Amir Abdul-Khaliq, has been dismissed, records show.

A judge dismissed the ticket against Prado on Tuesday, even though her court appearance date was not scheduled until Oct. 3, records show. The ticket was for failure to yield to emergency vehicle.

“Additional investigation needed,” the judge wrote in the motion. “State reserves the right to refile.”

The Austin police Vehicular Homicide Unit is still investigating the case, said Austin police Detective Lee Knouse, adding that it’s not uncommon to dismiss a traffic ticket in a case that requires more investigation.

>> Read more trending stories

“It doesn’t mean the original charge can’t be refiled again,” said Knouse said, stressing that he did not know if that was the case in this situation.

Other charges can still be filed against Prado, Knouse said.

Prado's ticket was dismissed the same day that Austin police held a public memorial for Abdul-Khaliq, who had been escorting a funeral procession in North Austin on Sept. 1 when police say Prado tried to illegally cut through the procession. The 17-year veteran motorcycle officer collided with the vehicle and was hospitalized.

Shortly after the crash, Austin police Chief Art Acevedo said he would push for additional charges against Prado if Abdul-Khaliq died.

About the Author