Austin
Texas
City Of Austin News - September 2, 2022
Government and Politics
September 6, 2022
From: City Of AustinLabor Day Weekend Watercraft Ban on Lake Austin
The Austin Police Department Lake Patrol Unit will be enforcing the City Ordinance that prohibits the use and operation of personal watercraft, wet bikes, motorized surfboards, and similar devices (designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel) on Lake Austin beginning at sunset on Friday, September 2nd, 2022, and ending on Tuesday, September 6th, 2022 at sunrise as outlined in Ordinance 8-5-81. Non-motorized devices such as kayaks, canoes and paddleboards can still be used along with water craft designed for the conventional manner of sitting or standing in the vessel.
The annual ban of personal watercraft is necessary to ensure the safety of the public that make use of the lake and parks over the Labor Day Holiday Weekend. This ban only applies to Lake Austin.
Police will be patrolling Lake Austin this weekend and urge people using waterways to follow the Texas Water Safety Act and City of Austin boating laws and ordinances. One of these laws that most boaters are not aware of is TWSA 31.123, which is the Required Response to Police Water Safety Vessel. The operator of a vessel underway, on sighting a rotating or flashing blue beacon light, shall reduce power immediately and bring the vessel to a no-wake speed and subsequent stop until the intention of the water safety vessel is understood.
We would also like to advise the public about the extension of the new no/slow-wake zone (in purple) on Lake Austin by the Pennybacker (360) Bridge.
Police urge all boaters to practice safe boating and to call 9-1-1 for all reckless operation of boats or emergencies.
The Austin Parks and Recreation Department and the Austin Police Department want the public to enjoy the parks and lakes but urge people to make this a safe holiday.
City Ordinance: 8-5-81 Watercraft And Other Motorized Craft On Lake Austin.
(A) A person may not use or possess a jet ski, wet bike, motorized surfboard, or similar device on Lake Austin:
- from sunset on the Friday before Memorial Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Memorial Day;
- from sunset on the Friday before Labor Day until sunrise on the Tuesday after Labor Day; or
- from sunset on July 3 until sunrise on July 5.
(B) A person operating a motorboat on Lake Austin shall stay on the right side of the lake, except when assisting a downed water skier.
(C) A person may not operate a watercraft on Lake Austin at a speed that is greater than reasonable and prudent under the existing circumstances.
Source: 1992 Code Section 14-2-1; Ord. 031009-11; Ord. 031211-11.
Texas Water Safety Act: § 31.123
Required Response to Police Water Safety Vessel The operator of a vessel underway, on sighting a rotating or flashing blue beacon light, shall reduce power immediately and bring the vessel to a no-wake speed and subsequent stop until the intention of the water safety vessel is understood.
APD's Aggravated Assault Unit Announces the Arrest of a Suspect Involved in a Shooting
Case: 22-2421432
Date: Tuesday, August 30th, 2022
Time: 10:31 p.m.
Location: 7100 block of Wood Hollow Drive
Suspect: Timothy Bowie, Black male, 26-years-old
The Austin Police Department (APD) has identified and arrested 26-year-old Timothy Bowie for an Aggravated Assault that occurred on August 30, 2022.
On Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at approximately 10:31 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a shooting at an apartment complex located at the 7100 block of Wood Hollow Drive. When officers arrived, they found someone shot in the foot. Officers detained Timothy Bowie nearby after matching the description of the shooter. Officers located a discarded firearm nearby.
After a preliminary investigation, Bowie was arrested and is now being charged with Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon – 2nd Degree Felony. At the time of this offense, Bowie was out on a PR bond for a 2019 murder charge issued in June of 2021.
Anyone with information about this incident should call the APD Robbery tip line at (512) 974-5092, Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or use the new Crime Stoppers App.
UPDATE: Arrest Made in Traffic Fatality at the Intersection of Way Ln and South Bay Ln
UPDATE:
Arrested: Weston Holtz, White male, 18-years-old
On August 30, 2022, the vehicle involved in this accident, belonging to Weston Holtz, was located by the Santa Rosa Police Department. On August 31, 2022, a warrant was issued for Holtz. At the time of the warrant being issued, Holtz was believed to have caught a flight back to Austin. On August 31, Weston Holtz turned himself in to Travis County Jail.
ORIGINAL RELEASE:
Case:?? 22-2290369
Time: ?8:35 a.m.
Date: August 17, 2022
Location: ??? Intersection of Way Ln and South Bay Ln
Deceased: Sandra K. Neilsen, White female, 04/23/1952
Suspect: Unknown white male
On August 17, 2022, at approximately 8:35 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a report of a collision at the intersection of Way Lane and South Bay Lane. The crash occurred when a car hit a pedestrian crossing the street. The vehicle's driver kept going, driving northbound on South Bay Ln towards Back Bay Ln. The pedestrian, identified as Sandra Neilsen, was taken to the hospital, where she died on August 18, 2022. This is an ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Highway Investigation Tip Line at 512-974-8111, utilize the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app.
This crash is being investigated as Austin’s 64th fatal crash of 2022, resulting in 65 fatalities for the year. On the date of this crash in 2021, there were 72 fatal crashes resulting in 78 fatalities.
These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.
APD Seeking Community Assistance Locating Homicide Suspect
Case: 20-2731310
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Time: 8:41 p.m.
Location: 12300 block of Yarmont Way
Deceased: Luke Kemper, White male, 1/24/2004
Suspect: Franco Javier Maldonado, Hispanic male, 22-years-old
The Austin Police Department (APD) and US Marshals Service are seeking the public's help locating Franco Javier Maldonado. Maldonado has an outstanding murder warrant for the murder of Luke Kemper, a 16 year old male, that occurred on September 29, 2020.
Maldonado, seen below in this booking photo from an unrelated arrest, has been on the run since the murder of 16-year-old Kemper in 2020.
Franco Javier Maldonado
Detectives believe the incident started with a drug deal in September 2020. Maldonado has a prior record which includes narcotics and theft of a firearm.
Detectives believe he may still be in Central Texas, but there’s a possibility he fled to Mexico.
Franco Javier Maldonado is described as a:
- Hispanic male
- 5’11
- 195 pounds
- Black hair
- Brown eyes
Detectives are asking anyone with information to call APD Homicide at 512-974-TIPS (8477), email them at [email protected], use the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-TIPS (8477) or use the Crime Stoppers App. Please contact Capital Area Crime Stoppers or the US Marshal Service if you have any information on the whereabouts of Maldonado.
Traffic Fatality in the 90 block of N IH 35 SB
Case: 22-2430185
Time: 5:23 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Location: 90 block of N IH35 SB
Deceased: Unidentified Person
On Wednesday, August 31st, 2022, at approximately 5:23 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) 9-1-1 operators received several calls reporting that two vehicles hit a pedestrian in the southbound lanes of IH35 near Cesar Chavez. APD officers and EMS responded to the location where the pedestrian died on the scene. The drivers of both vehicles remained on the scene and are cooperating with the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this case should contact the Highway Investigation Tip Line at 512-974-8111, utilize the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app.
This crash is being investigated as Austin's 70th fatal crash of 2022, resulting in 71 fatalities for the year. On the date of this crash in 2021, there were 78 fatal crashes resulting in 84 deaths.
These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash, and the investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.
APD Seeking Community Assistance Identifying Robbery Suspect
Case: 22-2081477
Date: July 28, 2022
Time: 10:20 p.m.
Location: 1030 Norwood Park Blvd (Little Caesar’s Pizza)
The Austin Police Department (APD) Robbery Unit is requesting community assistance in identifying suspects involved in a robbery at the Little Caesars’ Pizza located at 1030 Norwood Park Blvd on July 28, 2022, between 10:00-10:30 p.m.
The suspects held store employees at gunpoint and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash after robbing the register and safe.
Suspect 1 is described as a:
- Black male
- 22-26 years of age
- 6’0” – 6’4”
- Average build
Suspect 1 was last seen wearing:
- Dark bucket hat
- Dark mask or bandana
- Dark Calvin Klein sweatshirt
- Green sweatpants
- Black socks
- White Nike slides
Suspect 2 is described as a:
- Black male
- 22-26 years of age
- 6’0” – 6’4”
- Heavy build
Suspect 2 was last seen wearing:
- White ribbed tank top
- Black Nike baseball cap
- Black Nike shorts
- White shoes
- Blue surgical mask
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the APD Robbery tip line at (512) 974-5092, Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or use the new Crime Stoppers App.
Traffic Fatality in the Intersection of N Lamar and W Yager Ln
Case: 22-2401462
Time: 10:20 p.m.
Date: Sunday, August 28th, 2022
Location: N Lamar Blvd and W Yager Ln.
Deceased: Unidentified male
On Sunday, August 28th, 2022, at approximately 10:20 p.m., an Austin Police Department (APD) officer responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of N Lamar Blvd and W Yager Ln. The vehicle's driver was taken to a hospital, where he died.
Anyone with information regarding this case should contact the Highway Investigation Tip Line at 512-974-8111, utilize the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app.
This crash is being investigated as Austin's 69th fatal crash of 2022, resulting in 70 fatalities for the year. On the date of this crash in 2021, there were 75 fatal crashes resulting in 81 fatalities.
These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash, and the investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.
Traffic Fatality in the 3800 block of N IH 35 SB
Case: 22-2390070
Time: 12:54 a.m.
Date: Saturday, August 27th, 2022
Location: 3800 N IH 35 SB (Upper deck)
Deceased: Ian Lewis, White male, 1/22/1998
On Saturday, August 27th, 2022, at approximately 12:54 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a crash between an tractor trailer and a pedestrian, Ian Lewis, in the 3800 block of N IH 35 SB (Upper deck). The driver of the semi-trailer truck left the scene and did not stop to render aid. Lewis died on scene as a result of the injuries.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Highway Investigation Tip Line at 512-974-8111, utilize the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app.
This crash is being investigated as Austin’s 68th fatal crash of 2022, resulting in 69 fatalities for the year. On the date of this crash in 2021, there were 75 fatal crashes resulting in 81 fatalities.
These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash and investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.
APD Seeking Community Assistance Locating Homicide Suspect
UPDATE:
The Austin Police Department (APD) is seeking community assistance locating a suspect in the homicide that occurred at 1600 Ohlen Rd on August 9, 2022.
In the video, the suspect is seen approaching an individual behind the Citgo.
Suspect description:
- Hispanic male
- Approximately 20 years old
- Thin build
- Short hair
- Black Shirt
- Spanish speaker
Anyone with information or video of the incident should call APD Homicide at 512-974-TIPS; the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), use the new Crime Stoppers App, or email APD Homicide at [email protected]. You may remain anonymous.
ORIGINAL RELEASE:
Homicide Investigation at 1600 Ohlen Rd
Case: 22-2210343
Date: Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Time: 8:08 a.m.
Location: 1600 Ohlen Rd
Deceased: Antonio Castro, Hispanic male, 01/17/1950
Suspect: Unidentified Hispanic male
On Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at approximately 8:08 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a call regarding a shooting at the Citgo located at 1600 Ohlen Rd. Upon arriving on the scene, officers found two shooting victims, I. Tadeo and Antonio Castro. Both victims were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
The investigation revealed that an individual approached Tadeo behind the Citgo, produced a firearm, and shot both Tadeo and Castro, who were sitting side-by-side.
On August 24, 2022, Castro died at Dell Seton Medical Center at 9:47 a.m.
The autopsy was performed on August 25, 2022. The cause of death was ruled a homicide.
Suspect description:
- Hispanic male
- Approximately 20 years old
- Thin build
- Short hair
- Black Shirt
- Spanish speaker
Homicide detectives continue to investigate the case and the suspect currently remains unidentified.
Anyone with information or video of the incident should call APD Homicide at 512-974-TIPS; the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), use the new Crime Stoppers App, or email APD Homicide at [email protected]. You may remain anonymous.
This case is being investigated as Austin's 51st homicide of 2022.
Traffic Fatality in the 700 Block of E Slaughter Ln
Case: 22-2351416
Time: 10:47 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, August 23rd, 2022
Location: 700 Blk. E Slaughter Ln.
Deceased: Erick Hernandez, White male, 2/20/1989
On August 23rd, 2022, at approximately 10:47 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a report of a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian, Erick Hernandez, in the 700 block of E Slaughter Ln. Hernandez was taken to a hospital where he later died. The driver of the vehicle stayed on scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this case should contact the Highway Investigation Tip Line at 512-974-8111, utilize the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app.
This crash is being investigated as Austin's 67th fatal crash of 2022, resulting in 68 fatalities for the year. On the date of this crash in 2021, there were 74 fatal crashes resulting in 80 deaths.
These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash, and the investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.
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