By Claire Osborne
Austin American-Statesman
ROUND ROCK, Texas — Round Rock police have identified a man who was struck and killed by a car Sunday as well as several police personnel who were injured in an unusual chain of events following the incident.
Amir Azad, 26, died Sunday after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 35 near Palm Valley Boulevard. Police are searching for the driver who struck Azad and are asking anyone with information to call 512-218-5515.
Shortly after the incident, police say Officer Charles Whites, an 18-year veteran, was directing traffic at the scene when he was struck by another driver, 55-year-old Raul Martinez.
Martinez faces a charge of intoxication assault, police said. If found guilty, Martinez could receive as many as 99 years in prison and a fine as much as $10,000.
Whites remains in serious condition.
Police also identified two police officers and a police employee who were at the scene when they were injured by a lightning strike.
Round Rock police spokesman Nick Olivier said officers Patrick Turck and John Schulz and law enforcement support technician Josh Lake were taken to Seton Medical Center Williamson “in an overabundance of caution.”
Olivier said the three reported feeling minor electric shock from the lightning. All of them resumed work as normal after being released by the hospital.
Olivier said after asking staff at the Police Department, none had heard of a police officer ever being struck by lightning.
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