North Austin News

The Austin Police Department Robbery Unit is seeking the public's help in identifying three suspects involved in a series of crimes that occurred on Sunday, December 31, 2023. The incidents include two aggravated robberies and an aggravated assault, which took place at different locations throughout the day.

The first robbery occurred at 1:03 a.m. at Whataburger on the North Interstate Highway 35 Service Road NB. According to reports, the suspects, described as Spanish speakers with foreign accents, threatened the store clerk at gunpoint before fleeing in a black Honda Civic. They made off with cash, cigarettes, and other unpaid merchandise.

The second robbery took place at 10:27 a.m. at La Buena Market on North Lamar Boulevard. Once again, the suspects brandished a weapon and demanded money from the store clerk before making their escape in the same black Honda Civic.

Shortly after the second robbery, at 10:31 a.m., the suspects fired shots at another vehicle while driving on the North Interstate Highway 35 Service Road SB. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in this incident.

The Austin Police Department has provided descriptions of the three suspects involved. Suspect #1 is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 25-35 years old, standing at around 5'8" tall, and weighing approximately 200 lbs. He was armed with a two-tone black and tan semiautomatic pistol. Suspect #2 is also a Hispanic male, approximately 25-35 years old, and around 5'8" tall. He has a heavy set build, weighing around 160 lbs, and was armed with a black shotgun. Suspect #3 is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 22-25 years old, standing at around 5'6" tall, and weighing approximately 150 lbs. He was armed with a black semiautomatic rifle.

Authorities have also provided details about the suspect vehicle. It is described as a black Honda Civic with tinted windows and matching rims. The vehicle is an older model and may have a Nevada or North Dakota license plate.

The Austin Police Department is urging anyone with information about the suspects or the vehicle to come forward. They can contact APD's Robbery Unit at 512-974-5092. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. There is a potential reward of up to $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest.

The Austin Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community. They are actively investigating these incidents and are grateful for any assistance the public can provide in identifying the suspects and locating the vehicle.