A Saturday afternoon at Berry Springs Park outside Georgetown took a sudden turn when witnesses wrestled a man to the ground after they say he tried to abduct a juvenile female, then kept him pinned until Williamson County deputies got there. Authorities later identified the suspect as 28-year-old Christopher Garza, who was taken into custody and then transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries from the confrontation. Officials have not released the child’s age.
According to FOX 7 Austin, deputies responded to a 911 call at Berry Springs Park at about 1:30 p.m. and arrived to find bystanders restraining Garza. Witnesses told investigators they saw the man attempt to kidnap a juvenile female, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement cited by the station.
Sheriff Matt Lindemann publicly praised the quick-thinking crowd. “I would like to commend and thank the citizens who intervened and acted swiftly to protect a child from harm,” Lindemann said, according to FOX 7 Austin. The sheriff’s office reports that Garza was booked on charges of attempted kidnapping and failure to identify after giving false information. A judge set bond at $100,000 for the kidnapping charge and $3,000 for the failure-to-identify count. Following the scuffle, Garza was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Where It Happened
Berry Springs Park & Preserve sits along Berry Creek on the outskirts of Georgetown and is operated by Williamson County. The county lists the park’s address as 1801 County Road 152. With trails, a century-old pecan grove, picnic pavilions, and camping areas, it is marketed as a popular family destination on the county parks page.
How To Help
Williamson County authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s tip line at (512) 943-1311, as listed by the Austin American-Statesman, or to submit anonymous information to Williamson County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-253-7867. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website, which posts ongoing cases and reporting options.
What Comes Next
Garza remains in custody and will face prosecution in Williamson County as investigators and prosecutors review the case. Kidnapping is a felony under Texas law (Penal Code §20.03), and prosecutors will decide how to proceed based on the evidence developed in the investigation, in line with the applicable Texas statutes.
