Police in north Austin arrested a couple on Wednesday after they allegedly walked into a store “heavily impaired” while caring for three young children, then left with stolen merchandise and drove off before officers caught up with them. The kids, including an infant, were removed from the scene and later reunited with family members, according to police‑affiliated sources.
Officers were called after store staff reported a couple who appeared “heavily impaired,” the Austin Police Association told CBS Austin. According to the association, the pair allegedly had three young children with them, left the store with stolen merchandise, and then drove away.
Where the stop happened
Photos shared by the Austin Police Association place the arrest near the intersection of Burnet Road and West Anderson Lane in north Austin. Precision Camera & Video, the landmark cited in local coverage, lists its north Austin address as 2438 W Anderson Ln, Suite B‑4 on the store's website. Precision Camera & Video confirms that listing.
What officers found
Austin police located the vehicle, conducted field sobriety tests, and made a DWI arrest, CBS Austin reported. The Austin Police Association says officers also recovered stolen merchandise and found multiple firearms and illegal drugs inside the car.
Possible charges and penalties
Under Texas Penal Code §49.045, operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a passenger younger than 15 is classified as a state jail felony. Texas statutes note that this offense typically carries a possible range of 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and fines up to $10,000, according to legal reference sites.
Police have not publicly identified the arrested couple, and the investigation remains active. Local coverage reported that anyone with information about the incident was asked to contact the Austin police.
