The Austin Police Department (APD) nabbed a suspect on Friday, January 31, connected to a vehicle burglary at Covert Park near Mount Bonnell, an area notorious for such crimes. The events unfolded roughly around 7:30 p.m., with officers responding to a call regarding individuals checking car doors, a common precursor to theft, according to an official statement from the APD.
The caller gave a detailed account, specifying that the suspects were driving a white Honda Accord, providing a plate number that rang a bell in APD's database due to its relation to previous thefts at other parks. Moreover, it was reported, the suspects were actively using a tool to shatter car windows. Upon arrival, officers quickly spotted the suspect vehicle and individuals nearby, one of whom was a female with an outstanding warrant who indentified herself upon questioning and was detained.
An investigation ensued, with officers discovering a vehicle with a broken window and the corresponding owner who confirmed her purse had been pilfered, sans the bank cards. The area search turned fruitful as officers retrieved the stolen purse, and with assistance from North Metro Tactical Response and Region 1 Criminal Investigation Division, detective work resulted in a search warrant for the suspect’s Honda. The thorough inspection of the car uncovered not only the victim's bank cards but also a cache of items suggesting a spree of burglaries: balaclava mask, glove, screwdriver, cash, and several gift cards believed to be bought with stolen credit card info.
Subsequent to the events, the female suspect, previously misleading the officers with a false identity, was correctly identified as Armynie White, a 21-year-old Black female. In a revelation, she was found concealing a window punch tool and Honda keys in her sock. White now faces multiple charges, including "Failure to Identify as a Fugitive, Class A Misdemeanor" and "Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, State Jail Felony," the APD confirmed. Further arrests and charges are pending.
Following the incident, APD issued advice for vehicle owners to deter potential thieves: keep doors locked, valuables hidden or taken along, park in well-lit, crowded spots, consider anti-theft devices and always be cognizant of your surroundings. They also suggest installing dash cameras that can record even when the vehicle is turned off, which could be instrumental in documenting illegal activities.
