Rashad Owens identified as SXSW drunk driver who plowed into crowd, killing 2

A crowded street at the popular SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, became a chaotic scene as a suspected drunk driver plowed into the crowd, running over people and hitting other cars. Two people are dead and several other seriously injured.

Police identified Rashad Charjuan Owens, age 21, as the driver late Thursday afternoon. Owens was driving a gray Toyota when he was pulled over for a suspected DUI. He evaded police, speeding hte wrong way down a one-way street and then crashed through barricades, striking a crowd waiting to get into the Mohawk nightclub.

The first victim identified was Steven Craenmehr of MassiveMusic, a music agency with offices around the world. They posted a statement on its website and Facebook page identifying the company’s Amsterdam-based creative director, as a person killed Thursday in Austin.

Rashad Charjuan Owens

“During the 8 years that Steven worked for MassiveMusic, we got to know him as an unstoppable force, full of life, love and laughter,” the Facebook post said. “This is an irreplaceable loss for the MassiveMusic family, and we are grateful for the years we spent with him. Our thoughts are with Steven’s family and friends.”

The other victim was a feamle on a moped and she was pronounced at the scene.

Owens faces two counts of capital murder and several counts of aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, Austin police said  in releasing their report.

SXSW Cares Fund has begun accepting donations for people affected by this morning’s tragedy, and a public prayer service is underway at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Austin.