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City Of Austin News - February 16, 2023
Government and Politics
February 17, 2023
From: City Of AustinUpdate: APD Homicide Detectives Arrest a Man Involved in a Homicide Investigation in the 1300 block of Bonnie Brae Street
Feb 16, 2023 05:00 pm
Case: 23-0421239
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023
Time: 8:13 p.m.
Location: 1300 block of Bonnie Brae Street
Deceased: Jahiro Rodriguez-Perez, Hispanic male, 09/03/88
Arrested: Tomas Camacho-Torres, Hispanic male, 23-years-old
Update: During the investigation, detectives identified Tomas Camacho-Torres as the suspect who shot Jahiro Rodriguez-Perez. On Sunday, February 12, 2023, investigators obtained a warrant for Camacho’s arrest. On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, APD officers and Lone Star Fugitive Task Force members located Camacho at a residence and took him into custody without incident.
This is still an active investigation.
Anyone with any information should contact APD's Homicide unit at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest
**Original Release**
Case: 23-0421239
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023
Time: 8:13 p.m.
Location: 1300 block of Bonnie Brae Street
Deceased: Jahiro Rodriguez-Perez, Hispanic male, 09/03/88
On Saturday, February 11, 2023, at approximately 8:13 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a shooting at a home located in the 1300 block of Bonnie Brae Street. Officers and Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and discovered Jahiro Rodriguez-Perez, had been shot. EMS began life saving measures on Rodriguez and took him to a local hospital, where he died on February 12.
Aggravated Assault Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene. Investigators believe this to be an isolated incident with no threat to the public.
Anyone with any information should contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.
This case is being investigated as Austin's 13th homicide of 2023.
Traffic Fatality in the Intersection of Rutland Drive and North Lamar Boulevard
Feb 16, 2023 04:56 pm
Case: 23-0420073
Time: 1:10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023
Location: Intersection of Rutland Drive and North Lamar Blvd
Deceased: Unidentified person
On Saturday, February 11, 2023, at approximately 1:10 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Rutland Drive and North Lamar Boulevard. Preliminary information indicates that a passenger got out of a vehicle and was hit by that same vehicle. The driver left the area without stopping to render aid. The unidentified passenger died at the scene.
This incident is being investigated as Austin's 10th fatal crash of 2023, resulting in 10 fatalities for the year. On the date of this crash in 2022, there were a total of nine fatal crashes that resulted in 10 deaths.
These statements are from the initial assessment of the fatal crash, and the investigation is still pending. Fatality information may change.
Anyone with any information about the driver or the vehicle's description should contact APD's Vehicular Homicide unit at 512-974-8111. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.
APD Detectives Release Photos of a Man Suspected of Robbing and Shooting Another Man
Feb 16, 2023 04:53 pm
Case: 23-0100047
Date: Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Time: 12:54 a.m.
Location: Near the 5300 block of South Pleasant Valley Road
The Austin Police Department (APD) Robbery Unit requests the public's help identifying a suspect involved in an Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon that occurred near South Pleasant Valley Road and Stassney Lane.
The suspect, whose photo and description are included in this release, made contact with the victim at a 7-Eleven on Stassney Lane earlier in the night. Both were later involved in an altercation, resulting in the suspect shooting and robbing the victim.
The suspect is described as:
- Hispanic male
- Short stature
- Approximately early 20s
- Thin build
- Shoulder length, wavy hair
- Thin mustache
- He was last seen wearing dark pants, a gray Nike hoodie, Champion brand slides
Anyone with any information about the driver or the description of the vehicle should contact APD's Robbery unit at 512-974-5092. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.
APD Detectives Investigate a Death at 30 East Avenue
Feb 16, 2023 04:03 pm
Case: 23-0360856
Date: Monday, February 13, 2023
Time: 6:40 p.m.
Location: 30 East Avenue
Deceased: Jason John, Middle Eastern male, 11/15/92
On Monday, February 13, 2023, at approximately 6:40 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) Officers located a deceased person in Lady Bird Lake near 30 East Avenue.
Homicide and Missing Persons Unit Detectives, along with Crime Scene Specialists, responded to the scene to investigate. During the course of the investigation, the deceased individual was identified as Jason John, who was reported missing to the Austin Police Department on February 5, 2023.
The investigation into the circumstances of John’s death is currently ongoing.
Anyone with any information should contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477.
Safe Practices for COVID-19 & Flu Encouraged Heading Into Holiday Weekend
Feb 16, 2023 01:50 pm
AUSTIN, Texas – As the upcoming holiday weekend approaches, Austin-Travis County continues to see a drop in COVID-19 and flu cases. Austin Public Health (APH) is encouraging the community to follow best practices and keep these numbers down as we head into a busy spring season.
As of Tuesday, Feb. 14, Travis County’s Community Level sits at low. The indicators that determine Community Level are as follows:
- New COVID-19 cases per 100K people past 7 days – 56.67
- New COVID-19 admissions per 100K (7-day total) - 4.9
- Percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients (7-day average) - 2.8%
This is a marked improvement from Travis County’s move to Community Level medium in January as new cases and hospital admissions rose. In this same period, the percentage of positive flu tests almost dropped by half from 9.72% to 5.1%.
“Close gatherings during the winter holidays indoors often pose a threat with respiratory viruses, and this time around we had a tripledemic of COVID-19, flu and RSV in our community. These viruses all pose a serious threat to those who are at-risk, including young children and seniors,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. “We need to continue to keep ourselves and each other safe as many of us gather for the holiday. Get tested and stay home if you feel sick, social distance when possible, and wear a mask when it’s not.”
While trends are moving in the right direction, it’s as important as ever to get up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines. Monoclonal antibody treatments do not work to treat the COVID-19 subvariant XBB.1.5, which now accounts for a majority of new COVID-19 cases across the country.
“I know we’re all excited to enjoy the long weekend – Let's use this extra time that we have to go outside, enjoy the warm weather and get vaccinated,” said APH Director Adrienne Sturrup. “Getting a shot doesn’t just protect you from serious symptoms of COVID-19 we’ve all come to know – It also helps prevent Long COVID, which could affect you for years.”
If you’re hosting guests this weekend, consider ways to improve ventilation. Ensure it’s easy for visitors to wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizers. You may also choose to wear a well-fitting mask to protect yourself and loved ones who may be at high risk of serious illness.
Vaccine Providers
Visit Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) to find flu and COVID-19 vaccine providers near you.
Free COVID-19 tests
Free mail-order rapid antigen test kits are available once again through covid.gov/tests. Households are eligible for another round of four tests for a limited time.
At-home COVID-19 test kits are available at APH Neighborhood Centers while supplies last. The U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services also lists community-based testing sites online.
Free masks (N-95 respirators)
Use the CDC’s mask-locator tool to find pharmacies near you that provide free masks (N-95 respirators). It does not show current inventories, so check with the location for availability.
Homicide Investigation in the 1300 block of Bonnie Brae Street
Feb 16, 2023 01:40 pm
Case: 23-0421239
Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023
Time: 8:13 p.m.
Location: 1300 block of Bonnie Brae Street
Deceased: Jahiro Rodriguez-Perez, Hispanic male, 09/03/88
On Saturday, February 11, 2023, at approximately 8:13 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a shooting at a home located in the 1300 block of Bonnie Brae Street. Officers and Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and discovered Jahiro Rodriguez-Perez, had been shot. EMS began life saving measures on Rodriguez and took him to a local hospital, where he died on February 12.
Aggravated Assault Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene. Investigators believe this to be an isolated incident with no threat to the public.
Anyone with any information should contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.
This case is being investigated as Austin's 13th homicide of 2023.
City of Austin Presidents Day Closures 2023
Feb 16, 2023 01:22 pm
City of Austin administrative offices and other municipal facilities will be closed, Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of Presidents Day. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Parks and Recreation
Most Austin Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed for Presidents Day. However, City parks, golf courses, cemeteries, and some pools will be open. Facility hours vary by location so please call ahead or visit AustinTexas.gov/Parks for details. Information on closures is available at AustinTexas.gov/ParkClosures.
Austin Resource Recovery
All Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) trash, recycling and compost collections will be unaffected for the Presidents Day holiday. For the most up-to-date information on all ARR collections, download the Austin Recycles App for Apple or Android device or visit austintexas.gov/myschedule to sign up for collection reminders and alerts. Administrative offices will be closed Monday. The Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center (RRDOC) remains open, by appointment only: austintexas.gov/dropoff.
Austin Public Health
Environmental Health Services at the Rutherford Lane Campus, Office of Vital Records, all WIC and Shots for Tots clinics, and Neighbor Centers will be closed Monday, Feb. 20.
COVID-19 test is available at private and non-profit sites throughout Austin, including pharmacies, hospitals and urgent care centers.?Those who have private insurance?can contact their doctor’s office or insurer for assessment and testing options. Additional resources:
- Department of Health and Human Services community-based testing portal
- COVID.gov testing resources
Visit?Vaccines.gov?(Vacunas.gov?in Spanish) to find flu and COVID-19 vaccine providers near you.
Austin Energy
All City of Austin Utility Customer Service Centers will be closed on Presidents Day. Customers can make utility payments at coautilities.com or by calling 1-833-375-4919 for a Quick Payment.
Additional payment options include:
- Paying at authorized locations, including most Austin H-E-B, Fiesta Mart, Randalls and Walmart stores
- Mailing money order or check to P.O. BOX 2267, Austin, TX 78783-2267 or using a drop box location
- Payment drop boxes are located at the North and South Utility Customer Service Centers, 625 East 10th Street and 505 Barton Springs Rd. Expect 3-5 business days for drop-off payments to process. The payment drop box at the East Branch inside Rosewood-Zaragosa is NOT available at this time.
Downtown Austin Community Court
- The Downtown Austin Community Court's Violet KeepSafe Storage program (VKS), Homeless Services, Court Services, and Community Services will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20. The following day, all services will reopen at their regular time: VKS at 7 a.m., Community Services at 7:30 a.m., and Homeless Services & Court Services at 8 a.m.
Austin Public Library Schedule
Austin Public Library, Recycled Reads Bookstore, and the Austin History Center branches will be closed both Sunday, Feb. 19 and Monday, Feb. 20. Resources that are available remotely can be accessed at the Austin Public Library website: library.austintexas.gov.
Austin Animal Center Schedule
The Austin Animal Center will close for Presidents Day, reopening on Tuesday.
For questions about City services or information call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000. Residents can also submit service requests from the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app.
Update: APD Homicide Detectives Release Photos of Fourth Suspect Involved in Homicide Investigation
Feb 16, 2023 11:20 am
Case: 22-2950044
Date: Saturday, October 22nd, 2022
Time: 12:35 a.m.
Location: 5762 N Mopac Expressway
Deceased: Andrew Clayton Johnson, White male, 11/24/03
Arrested: Zavien Nathaniel Castilleja, 18-years-old
Arrested: Juvenile
Arrested: Juvenile
Third Update: APD Homicide detectives request the community's help in identifying a fourth suspect involved in Andrew Clayton Johnson's murder. The suspect, whose photo and description are included in this release, is believed to have connections with Zavien Nathaniel Castilleja and may frequent the North Austin and Round Rock area.
Based on preliminary information, the suspect is described as:
- Black female
- Last seen wearing dark-colored pants, white shoes, and a “NASA” sweatshirt with a large image of Space Shuttle launch on the back.
Anyone with any information should contact APD's Homicide unit at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.
Previous Release:
Case: 22-2950044
Date: Saturday, October 22nd, 2022
Time: 12:35 a.m.
Location: 5762 N Mopac Expressway
Deceased: Andrew Clayton Johnson, White male, 11/24/03
Arrested: Zavien Nathaniel Castilleja, 18-years-old
Arrested: Juvenile
Arrested: Juvenile
Second Update: On Monday January 23, 2023, APD's Tactical Intelligence Unit and the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force located and apprehended a juvenile involved in this case in east Austin. He was booked into Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center for Capital Murder.
Previous Release:
Case: 22-2950044
Date: Saturday, October 22nd, 2022
Time: 12:35 a.m.
Location: 5762 N Mopac Expressway
Deceased: Andrew Clayton Johnson, White male, 11/24/03
Arrested: Zavien Nathaniel Castilleja, 18-years-old
Arrested: Juvenile
Update: On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, Austin Police Department (APD) Homicide detectives obtained warrants for two suspects, Zavien Nathaniel Castilleja and a 17-year-old who was 16-years-old when the murder happened. On that same day, APD's Tactical Intelligence Unit and the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive task force arrested Castilleja and the 17-year-old in two separate locations. Castilleja is charged with Capital Murder, and the 17-year-old is charged with 2nd Degree Felony Criminal Conspiracy.
The 17-year-old was released on house arrest one day after his arrest on January 4, 2023.
Original release:
Case: 22-2950044
Date: Saturday, October 22nd, 2022
Time: 12:35 a.m.
Location: 5762 N Mopac Expressway
Deceased: Andrew Clayton Johnson, White male, 11/24/03
On Saturday, October 22, 2022, at approximately 12:35 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a crash at the McDonald's located at 5762 N Mopac Expressway. At the scene, officers found a vehicle that hit a pole near the McDonald's restaurant. The driver, Andrew Clayton Johnson, was inside the vehicle with gunshot wounds. Johnson died on the scene.
The investigation is still ongoing. Investigators believe this is an isolated incident with no threat to the public and ask the community to come forward with any information.
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 57th homicide of 2022.
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