Austin police say a recent assault near Copperfield Park in northeast Austin has led to an arrest, and now they are turning to the public to help find anyone else who may have been targeted. The suspect is in the Travis County Jail on multiple counts as detectives continue to re-interview witnesses and comb through evidence along the park’s trails. Investigators say they believe there may be additional victims or witnesses and are urging anyone with information to speak up.
According to KVUE, officers identified Jacoby Duane Lacy as the suspect after responding on June 1 to a report that an elderly woman walking her dog was assaulted near Copperfield Park. Court documents reviewed by the station indicate that Lacy admitted to an altercation at the park. KVUE reports he was booked on a mix of misdemeanor and felony counts, including a charge of attempted aggravated sexual assault.
Police Seek Additional Victims
According to the Austin Police Department, anyone who may have been a victim or had any contact with Lacy is asked to call the Sex Crimes Unit at 512-974-5095. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Capital Area Crime Stoppers. APD says detectives are actively developing leads and are encouraging people who were in or around Copperfield Park at the time of the alleged incidents to share any video, photos, or other potential evidence with investigators.
Investigation And Scene Processing
KVUE reports that detectives processed the scene with help from Austin forensic science crime-scene specialists as part of the ongoing probe. According to the station, investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and witness statements and are working to determine whether the recent report is linked to an earlier encounter at the same park.
Charges And Legal Context
Prosecutors have not proven the allegations in court, and Lacy is presumed innocent at this stage. If he is convicted on the most serious count tied to his arrest, namely attempted aggravated sexual assault, that offense would be a second-degree felony in Texas. State law sets punishment for second-degree felonies at two to 20 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000, according to the Texas Penal Code.
Anyone with information about Lacy or incidents involving him at or near Copperfield Park is urged to contact the APD Sex Crimes Unit at 512-974-5095 or to submit an anonymous tip to Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477. Police say that sharing video, photos, or details about any contact with the suspect could be critical for the investigation.
