SXSW drunk driver arrested

Police have identified the driver who sped through crowds at the SXSW festival to escape a drunk stop in the early hours of Thursday.

The arrested suspect, 21-year-old rapper Rashad Owens from Killeen, Texas, was actually scheduled to perform at a nearby venue. Turns out that Owens holds a criminal record, having been charged for criminal trespassing, and driving under the influence of marijuana.

Owens sped off from the gas station during a drunk stop, then turned onto the barricaded Red River Street where he plowed down many festival goers.The rampage ended when his car rammed a taxi carrying one passenger. He attempted to flee the scene on foot, but a police officer was able to subdue him with a stun gun.

His car ran down a moped, killing one of its riders who was identified as an Austin woman. A male cyclist, later identified as a Dutch music journalist, was also killed.

The suspect was treated for minor injuries at the same hospital as many of his victims, then taken into police custody. Of the 23 injured, 2 people are in critical condition with life-threatening head injuries.

Organizers of South by Southwest said the festival will continue as planned.