North Austin News

On Monday, October 21, 2024, at approximately 4:45 p.m., a robbery occurred in the parking lot of 4400 N Lamar Boulevard. A victim reported to authorities that she and a family member were robbed of a high-end piece of jewelry. The transaction was initially arranged on Facebook Marketplace with an interested buyer, later identified as Caleb Thompsen.

Upon meeting Thompsen at the designated location for what was expected to be a safe public transaction, the situation quickly escalated. The suspect flagged down the victim and her family member. As the victim held the jewelry, Thompsen snatched it from her hand. He made an aggressive movement suggesting he might strike if she attempted to retrieve her property. Given their height difference—Thompsen being approximately six feet tall and the female victim about five feet tall—she feared for her safety.

Following this incident, Thompsen reportedly boasted about stealing the jewelry and expressed his intent to sell it. After conducting a thorough investigation and confirming Thompsen's identity, the APD Robbery Unit filed an arrest warrant for robbery as a second-degree felony. The Violent Crimes Task Force Unit subsequently arrested Thompsen and booked him into Travis County Jail.

The APD Robbery Unit advises community members to exercise caution when engaging in online transactions. Despite taking recommended precautions such as bringing someone along and meeting in a public place during daylight hours, the victim still fell prey to robbery.

For additional safety tips or information regarding this case, individuals are encouraged to contact APD's Robbery unit at 512-974-5092 or submit anonymous tips through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. Information leading to an arrest may qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.