AUSTIN, Texas — Two people have been arrested for evading police during "street-racing incidents" across Austin on Saturday.
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), officers received calls at four locations across Austin regarding "street-racing incidents." The first call came in at 9:01 p.m. on Feb. 18, and the last call came in at 1:56 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19.
APD stated that officers didn't arrive to the first scene until more than 20 minutes after the first call because there were no available units in the area.
The calls reported that "street racing" were occurring at the following locations:
- Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard
- Area of North Interstate 35 Service Road / East Anderson
- Area of Berkman Drive and Barbara Jordan Boulevard
- The intersection of Metric Boulevard and Braker Lane
In these areas, APD noted several cars were either racing, doing donuts, throwing glass bottles, rocks and other objects at officers, and shooting fireworks and overall violating traffic laws.
The rocks and bottles that were thrown at patrol cars resulted in damage to the vehicles, according to APD, and two people were arrested at one of the locations for evading police.
APD also stated that one officer that responded to the scene was the only one reported hurt during Saturday's incident. The officer was taken to the hospital for a non-life threatening injury and was released shortly after.
The department said the incidents are still being investigated and noted more charges could be filed.
"Lawbreaking in this manner will result in enforcement and arrest. Our community's safety is the number one priority for APD," APD stated.
City of Austin Mayor Kirk Watson released the following statement regarding the incidents:
"As the Austin Police Department has stated, the street takeovers over the weekend were illegal and outrageous; they will result in arrest. I’m relieved that the injured police officer is doing OK and the vehicle damage was limited.
“The dramatic videos have gone viral and made some folks Internet famous but, for me, the bigger issue is the significant wait times for 911 calls. Our 911 call center received four times the normal number of 911 calls during the incident on Saturday night and that led to unacceptably long waits. I’ve talked to Interim City Manager Jesús Garza and Chief Chacon about our options for dealing with our ongoing staffing challenges at 911 and hope to have at least a temporary solution soon.
“The Austin Police Association posted some false comments on Sunday that appeared to wrongly conflate this illegal incident with important community conversations about safety and oversight. Twitter is not an appropriate forum for contract negotiations, and no Austinite should ever accept the false choice between public safety and responsible policing — Austin can, and will, have both. If the Austin Police Association would like to talk about staffing and other issues, we welcome them back to the negotiating table to discuss a one-year contract.
“While we wait on the APA, the Austin City Council will take up an ordinance this week that will assure APD officers’ wages, benefits and payout of sick leave hours upon separation are continued as covered under the current contract, even if the City and the police union do not reach an agreement before the current contract expires on March 31. We want our police officers and their families to know that they are supported by this City.
“This ordinance will also establish the authority of the Office of the Police Oversight as an investigator as permitted by state law. This option will allow for investigations of anonymous complaints by citizens and police officers.
“I believe this ordinance can accomplish our goals, protect and provide security for our police officers, and allow for a robust and effective civilian oversight. But let me be clear – this is not a better outcome than a one-year agreement with the police association. It would be better for everyone if they would return to the negotiating table now, but if they do not then we must pass this ordinance to maintain effective recruiting and retention of APD officers.”