FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 30, 2024
TCSO Warns Residents Against Pursuing Burglars
Over the last two years, TCSO has worked a total of four cases in which residents have witnessed someone burglarizing their vehicle then engaged or chased the burglar/s as they fled.
In two of the cases, the residents were shot at by the burglar and fortunately, were not harmed. In one case, the resident chased the burglar in his vehicle. His son, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was shot and critically injured. And in one case, the resident was murdered.
TCSO is also currently investigating a case in which a driver on SH-130 chased a truck that struck the front of his vehicle then sped away. A weapon was brandished, but no shots were fired.
This trend is of grave concern.
Tips to prevent vehicle burglaries:
1. Park your vehicle in well-lit areas
2. Always lock all doors
3. Never leave your keys in the vehicle
4. Take valuables with you or store them out of sight
5. Install security cameras
Vehicle burglars don’t want to get caught, so they look for easy opportunities that are quiet and fast. If they don’t see valuables and the doors are locked, they usually move on.
TCSO strongly advises the public not to leave weapons in their vehicles, but when it is necessary to do so, be sure to store them as securely as possible. Most armed burglars are using weapons they stole from vehicles.
TCSO is imploring residents not to engage or pursue criminals. The recommended course of action is to call 911 and be the best witness possible. Pay attention to what the suspect/s look like, details about the vehicle they’re driving and any license plate information.
“The vast majority of vehicle burglary cases we work involve people who left their vehicle unlocked. Please be diligent and lock your doors. If you discover someone burglarizing your vehicle, remember, there’s nothing in that car or truck more valuable than your life. Please, don’t take the risk by confronting or chasing the burglar.”
-Sheriff Sally Hernandez
BACKGROUND:
April 9, 2022
Excerpt from TCSO press release
At 1:30 am on April 9, 2022, deputies responded to the 15400 block of Jazzberry Way after a 911 caller reported his son had been shot in the head. The investigation thus far indicates the father and son awoke and interrupted a vehicle burglary attempt outside their home. The suspects fled in a vehicle, and father and son drove around the area, looking for them. Upon seeing the vehicle of the alleged burglars, and driving up to it, the son, a Hispanic man in his 20s, was shot. He was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive.
TCSO arrested Jesus Nicholson Rodriguez (then,18) of Pflugerville on April 10, 2022. He was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
May 20, 2024
Excerpt from TCSO press release
At 3:57 am on May 20, 2024, deputies responded to a Check Welfare call in the 13000 block of Amarillo Ave. A male in his 40s with gunshot wounds was lying unresponsive in the street. CPR was started immediately by TCSO deputies, and they were relieved minutes later by ATCEMS. Resuscitation efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and the man died on scene.
TCSO arrested William Jewel Daniels, 36 of Austin on May 20, 2024. He was charged with Murder. The investigation revealed the victim encountered the suspect, Daniels, burglarizing his work vehicle.
October 15, 2024
At approximately 3:30 am, deputies responded to a Shots Fired call in the 13500 block of Windstone Court. The resident was shot at, but not struck after chasing suspects who were burglarizing his vehicle.
This case is open. No further information will be made public.
October 15, 2024
At approximately 5:45 pm, a deputy was dispatched to the 4100 block of south SH-130 in reference to a Leaving the Scene Collision. The victim followed the suspect vehicle, and the suspect brandished a gun. No shots were fired.
This case is open. No further information will be made public.
October 23, 2024
At 1:08 am, deputies responded to an Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon call in the 14000 block of Marciella Ln. A homeowner went outside after seeing subjects looking inside his vehicle. The suspects and the homeowner exchanged gunfire.
This case is open. No further information will be made public.
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Submitted By: Kristen Dark, Sr. Public Information Officer (512) 854-4986
Drew Knight, Public Information Specialist | (512) 854-8426