Austin police put a 33-year-old burglary suspect on public blast on Wednesday, circulating photos of him and asking residents to help track him down. Investigators are looking for Douglas Stephen Wade, described as about 6-foot-2 and roughly 200 pounds, and say he has an outstanding warrant for burglary of a building. Tips in the case could be eligible for a cash reward, and authorities are warning people not to approach anyone matching his description, but instead to contact law enforcement.
The photos and case details were shared in an Austin Police Department Facebook post that lists Wade’s name and the warrant number tied to the case. The post includes a Spanish-language line and directs people with information to Capital Area Crime Stoppers for tips. Police say the callout is part of their routine public appeals to crowdsource leads from anyone who might recognize a suspect.
How to report tips
Capital Area Crime Stoppers says tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 512-472-8477 (512-472-TIPS) or online at Capital Area Crime Stoppers. The organization notes that tipsters may be eligible for up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. The listing also highlights the handle @crimestoppersatx and offers a web form for people who prefer to send in anonymous tips online instead of calling.
Who police say is wanted
According to the Facebook post, authorities list the warrant number as D1DC26300441 and describe Wade as 33 years old, about 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. The post does not say where or when the alleged burglary happened, and officials have not released any additional details about the underlying incident. Anyone who believes they know where he is is asked to contact Crime Stoppers, or to call 9-1-1 if they actually see him in person.
Legal note
Under Texas law, burglary of a building is generally charged as a state jail felony, with a punishment range that can include 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and fines up to $10,000. Penalties can increase if the alleged victim’s space is a habitation or if other aggravating factors apply. The full statutory language is available in Texas Penal Code §30.02. This article does not attempt to weigh the evidence in the case, and any eventual charges or penalties will depend on what prosecutors allege and are able to prove.
Why police post photos
Posting photos with short case summaries on social media has become a standard tactic for the Austin Police Department to widen the pool of people who might recognize a suspect and to speed tips to investigators. Hoodline has reported on similar "Wanted Wednesday" appeals from APD in recent months, including a past case that pulled in leads after pictures went public. For more on how the department leans on social outreach, see Austin Cops Hunt Johnny Otero.
If you believe you have seen Douglas Stephen Wade, do not try to confront or detain him. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency or submit an anonymous tip to Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 or through the group’s website.
