Arrest and Charges
Michael Butler, a 45‑year‑old Texas resident, was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with manslaughter following a crash that caused a Tesla Model 3 to collide with a house, killing a woman inside.
Accident Details
According to local authorities, the incident occurred last month when the vehicle approached the driveway at high speed, breached the property line and slammed into the living room where the 68‑year‑old occupant was present.
Driver's Statement
Butler told investigators that the car was operating in Autopilot mode and that he was unable to intervene, placing responsibility on Tesla’s self‑driving technology.
Technical Findings
Data supplied by Tesla, however, indicates that Butler disengaged Autopilot and manually controlled the vehicle before impact. Telemetry logs show steering inputs and acceleration patterns inconsistent with autonomous operation.
Legal Proceedings
After his arrest, Butler was booked at the Harris County jail. The manslaughter charge carries a potential sentence of up to ten years. Ongoing investigations aim to clarify the precise sequence of events and assess any possible technical failures.