Inset: Austin K. Jones (Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office). Background: The intersection in New Mexico where Jones crashed into a 19-year-old woman, paralyzing her (Google Maps).
A New Mexico man faces possible prison time for paralyzing a 19-year-old woman when he slammed into her vehicle while chasing two drag-racing cars in what prosecutors called a “road rage incident.”
A jury in Bernalillo County on Thursday found Austin Kevin Jones guilty of one count of great bodily injury by vehicle through reckless driving, authorities announced.
According to a press release from the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office following the verdict, the crash occurred in September 2024 at Girard and Gibson boulevards in Albuquerque.
“Two muscle cars were drag racing near Jones as they traveled down Girard,” said the statement from District Attorney Sam Bregman. “Jones became angry and attempted to catch up to them.”
As he sped after the cars, Jones “struck an innocent bystander who was driving another vehicle,” the release states.
“The victim was just 19 years old. She suffered catastrophic injuries that left her paralyzed,” Bregman’s office said in the statement.
“This young woman was simply driving her car when someone else’s reckless actions changed her life forever,” Bregman added. “There is nothing more important than holding people accountable when their dangerous choices cause this kind of devastating harm.”
Bregman thanked the prosecutors who pursued the case, adding that his office “will continue to fight for victims and pursue justice.”
Jones was indicted on the third-degree felony charge in September 2025, court records show. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance in December 2025.
The trial, presided over by Albuquerque District Judge Matthew E. Chavez, began Monday and went to the jury Thursday morning.
