LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A man is dead after a crash in central Lubbock early Wednesday, according to the Lubbock Police Department.
LPD said officers were called to a crash in the 4400 block of University Ave. just before 3:30 a.m. on Thursday. Police identified the driver as 35-year-old Joseph Vasquez, who was taken by EMS to UMC, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators said an unmarked Texas Department of Public Safety unit was approaching the intersection of 50th St. and University Ave. when a trooper saw Vasquez run a red light and continue north on University Ave. at a high rate of speed. The trooper stopped to avoid being hit, police said.
LPD said a marked DPS unit was also in the area but had not tried to stop the car, and no chase was initiated. Troopers found Vasquez after the crash and performed life-saving measures until EMS arrived, according to police.
Police said Vasquez struck the south curb at 44th St. and University Ave., crossed 44th St. and hit the north curb, then continued through an apartment complex property in the 2400 block of 44th St. before hitting the southwest corner of an apartment building. No one inside the building was injured.
LPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit is investigating. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
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