AUSTIN (KXAN) – On Wednesday, the Austin Police Department said it was searching for suspects and vehicles involved in the citywide “street takeover” incidents Feb. 18. APD said it needed community assistance identifying the people and vehicles linked to those events.
According to the police department, its Organized Crime Division was working to identify additional suspects and vehicles, and it would seek arrest warrants as more evidence becomes available.
APD said it was searching for a vehicle involved in the “street takeover,” which was described as a 2006-2010 Red Nissan 350 Z, 2-door, with a customized rear license plate. The police department said it was also searching for three suspects also involved.
Who are the street takeover suspects?
The first suspect was described as a Black man with black hair and brown eyes between the ages of 18 and 25. Police said the suspect is between 5’8” and 6’00” with a thin build.
The second suspect was described as a Hispanic man between the ages of 18 and 25. Police said the suspect was between 5’5” and 5’10” with a medium build and has a camouflage hoodie.
The third suspect was described as a Hispanic man measuring about 5’10” with a medium build between the ages of 20 and 30. Police said the suspect was holding a high-powered, green laser. The suspect was wearing a baseball cap, possibly with a Houston Astros logo on front, a gold or silver watch on his left wrist, a black-hooded jacket and black Vans shoes with a white stripe.
Suspect and vehicle photos are shown below:
APD said the criminal offenses being investigated included but were not limited to:
aggravated assault against a peace officer
deadly conduct
evading in a motor vehicle
reckless driving exhibition
obstructing a highway or other passageway
use of laser pointers
“Some suspects have been identified during the investigation, and arrest warrants are being sought.,” APD said.
How are councilmembers reacting?
Austin City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly said she was concerned by the incident.
“When I found out about it, I was initially very frightened for the City of Austin,” Council Member Kelly said.
She said she’s confident in APD’s investigation into the takeovers, but she does worry about what could happen if more were to pop up in the future.
“If this were to happen, and there were another incident happening, you know, somewhere else in the city, then we wouldn’t have enough police officers to respond to both incidents at the same time,” Kelly said. “And that is a very scary situation to consider.”
On Feb. 21, Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon confirmed officers are training for the possibility of more street takeovers.
“These drills will ensure a coordinated and controlled but effective response to similar activity in the future,” Chief Chacon said.
APD encouraged anyone with specific information regarding these criminal acts to contact the Austin Police Department at (512) 974-TIPS. Tips can also be anonymously submitted through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling (512) 472-8477.