Austin Police Department Officer Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Speeding After Causing a Multivehicular Accident

Travis County, TX — On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Austin Police Department Officer Daniel Robert Kessler Jr. entered a guilty plea to two counts of Speeding, following an investigation into his involvement in a vehicular collision on January 21, 2025. As part of the plea agreement, Officer Kessler will be convicted of Speeding and will pay the maximum fine of $500 for each count.

On January 21, 2025, Officer Kessler was driving an APD squad car responding to an emergency call when he collided with three other vehicles. Drivers Jacob Macha and Tonie Reese sustained injuries as a result of the collision.

An investigation conducted by the Austin Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit was subsequently referred to the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.

“We thank the Austin Police Department for bringing this incident to our attention, as it was jointly investigated by APD’s Special Investigations Unit and our Civil Rights Unit,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “We hope this conviction continues to help the accident victims with their healing.”

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