South Austin residents got an abrupt midweek scare Wednesday afternoon when police briefly ordered a shelter-in-place while hunting for what they called a “dangerous and violent” fugitive with outstanding warrants. The alert focused on a neighborhood near Willow Springs Road and Industrial Boulevard and was lifted about 10 minutes later, after officers said the man was not found and is believed to have bolted from the area.
What Police Say They Are Looking For
Austin police described the suspect as a Black male, about 34 years old, roughly 6 feet tall, and 210 pounds with a muscular build. He was last seen wearing a white hat with a red brim and a white shirt. People in the immediate area were urged to lock their doors, stay inside, and call 911 if they saw anyone matching that description, according to CBS Austin.
Lockdown In, Lockdown Out
The initial alert went out around 2:12 p.m., and APD reported that the shelter-in-place was lifted at about 2:23 p.m., after what was described as an “extensive search” that nevertheless failed to locate the suspect, MySA noted.
What Police Are Not Saying Yet
The Austin Police Department told reporters it could not immediately share more about the nature of the outstanding warrants or identify which agency it was assisting, according to CBS Austin. No arrests had been reported as of Wednesday afternoon, and investigators stressed that members of the public should not approach the man if they happen to spot him.
How Neighbors Can Help Safely
APD’s social media updates urged anyone with information to call 911 and to avoid any sort of confrontation with the suspect, underscoring that authorities want tips, not heroics, according to MySA. This story will be updated as police release more details.
