What started as a routine late-night curfew sweep at Butler Park in south Austin turned into a death investigation early Sunday, after a badly injured man emerged from a wooded area and collapsed near the park.
People leaving the park spotted the man as Austin police officers were clearing the area for the 10 p.m. curfew and called for help. Officers tried life-saving measures on the spot, but medics pronounced the man dead at the scene. A person of interest was detained while part of the park was taped off so investigators could collect evidence.
According to the Austin American-Statesman, officers had responded shortly after midnight to a reported disturbance at 401 Dawson Road when they encountered the wounded man emerging from the woods near Butler Park. The paper reports that officers on scene attempted life-saving measures before the man was pronounced dead and that a person of interest was taken into custody. The Statesman also notes that officers were enforcing the park's 10 p.m. curfew when the man was found.
Butler Metro Park has seen trouble after dark before. Earlier this month, a pre-dawn knife fight reported by Hoodline left two men wounded and briefly shut down part of the park. That prior coverage highlighted the park's location along Lady Bird Lake, close to downtown nightlife, and noted that the City sometimes issues temporary closures for emergency responses and evidence collection. The busy stretch of green space helps explain why officers move quickly on late-night activity in the area.
What investigators are saying
The Austin American-Statesman reports that police have not disclosed how the victim was injured or whether he was shot or stabbed. Detectives told the paper they believe the victim and the detained person were the only people directly involved. Officers canvassed the surrounding area while collecting evidence, and police said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
How to help
Anyone with information or video related to the case is asked to contact the Austin Police Department tip line at 512-974-TIPS (512-974-8477) or submit an anonymous tip to Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 or online, per the City of Austin. Detectives are especially interested in hearing from anyone who was in the Butler Park area around midnight.
No formal charges had been announced as of publication, and the investigation remains active. This story will be updated as the Austin Police Department releases more information.
