Austin street racing incidents: mayor calls them ‘illegal and outrageous’

Austin, Texas – Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called the street racing incidents that took place in Austin over the weekend “illegal and outrageous” and said “they will lead to an arrest.”

An officer was injured and several police cars were damaged while street racing in Austin late Saturday night, February 18, according to the Austin Police Department.

One officer received an injury incompatible with life, he was treated at a local hospital and discharged. Rocks and bottles were thrown at patrol cars, causing damage, APD reports.

Watson made the comments in a statement he released on February 20. The mayor said that “a more serious problem is the significant waiting time for emergency calls.” His full statement is as follows:

“According to the Austin Police Department, the weekend street raids were illegal and outrageous; they will lead to arrest. I’m glad the injured policeman is doing well and the damage to the car is minor.”

“The dramatic videos have gone viral and made some people famous online, but for me the bigger problem is the significant waiting time for emergency calls. this resulted in an unacceptably long wait. I spoke with Interim City Manager Jesús Garza and Chief Chacón about our options for resolving our current staffing issues at 911 and I hope that at least a temporary solution will be found soon.”

“The Austin Police Association released several false comments Sunday that appear to mistakenly confuse this illegal incident with important public conversations about safety and oversight. and responsible policing – Austin can and will have both. Should the Austin Police Association wish to discuss staffing and other issues, we invite them back to the negotiating table to discuss a one-year contract.”

“While we wait for the APA, the Austin City Council will pass an ordinance this week that will ensure that APD employee salaries, benefits, and post-layout sick leave pay continue under the current contract, even if the city and the police union do not come to terms. agreement before the expiration of the current contract on March 31. We want our police officers and their families to know that the city has their back.”

“This ordinance will also establish the authority of the Police Enforcement Administration as an investigator, as permitted by state law. This option will allow investigations of anonymous complaints from citizens and police officers.”

“I believe that this ruling can achieve our goals of protecting and keeping our police officers safe and ensuring reliable and effective civilian oversight. But let me be clear: this is no better result than a one-year agreement with the police. Association. It would be better for everyone if they returned to the negotiating table now, but if they do not, we must pass this ruling to ensure the effective recruitment and retention of APD officers.”

Officer injured, police cars damaged in street racing

Shortly after 9:00 p.m. on February 18, someone called APD reporting that five vehicles had blocked the intersection of Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard. A few minutes later, other people called 911, reporting that several cars were speeding, circling the intersection, turning on lights, blocking traffic, and setting off fireworks.

APD says there were no units nearby and officers arrived on the scene just before 9:30 p.m. and cleared the intersection within 20 minutes. Then came the automobile club, which headed north.

Shortly before 10:30 p.m., an officer reported that the motor club was in the area of ​​service road N I-35 and East Anderson Lane, where several vehicles were driving recklessly, blocking the intersection and driving in circles. The officers also dispersed this crowd, according to APD.

Just before 1:00 a.m., several 911 calls were received from the Berkman Drive area and Barbara Jordan Boulevard near the Mueller area. Officers at the scene reported that glass bottles were being thrown at the crowd and quickly dispersed the crowd.

MORE: Streets of Austin overwhelmed by street racing, APD officer injured

More 911 calls came in just after 1:30 a.m., reporting vehicles blocking the Metric Boulevard/Braker Lane intersection, eating donuts, and someone setting fire. The officers dispersed this crowd shortly before 2 am.

Videos on social media showed cars making donuts and people setting off fireworks to block traffic.

On Saturday night, the APD said they were investigating the incidents and said they wanted to reiterate that “this behavior is reckless and poses significant risk and danger to society.”

In a subsequent Twitter statement, the APD states that it is “committed to stopping this behavior” and that “violating the law in this way will result in enforcement and arrest.”

On Sunday, the APD reported that during the incidents, the crowd threw stones and bottles at police officers, as well as aimed lasers.

Two people were arrested for evading arrest. An investigation into this incident is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.