Austin Police North Metro Tactical Unit announces 19 arrested in two-month operation

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department’s North Metro Tactical Unit said Wednesday afternoon that it made 19 arrests as part of an “extensive investigation” into “high-crime areas,” according to an APD press release.

Those areas “garnered a reputation for open-air drug markets,” APD said. Six of the seven areas were “drug-free zones” under the Texas Health and Safety Code, which means that they were within 1,000 feet of schools, youth centers and/or playgrounds.

The APD press release said that the unit made arrests at:

• 1800 Colony Creek Dr.
• 900 Rutland Dr.
• 800 W Rundberg Ln.
• Manor Rd. & Rogge Ln.
• 6800 Berkman Dr.
• East St. Johns Ave. & N I-35
• Georgian Dr. & Jennifer Ln.
• 889 Wilks Ave

“These hotspots have been characterized by continuous loitering and the sale of various illicit narcotics, fostering an environment prone to multiple criminal activities,” the release reads. “Historically, these locations have been linked to offenses such as assaults, thefts, robberies, weapon-related crimes, prostitution, vandalism, and disturbances that detrimentally affect the quality of life for local residents.”

The operation took about two months, APD said. Most of the suspects face charges of delivery of a controlled substance in a drug free zone. The suspects were between the ages of 33 and 62.

APD said that its Major Crimes Suppression Unit and patrol officers, along with the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigations Organized Crime Unit, assisted in the operation.

APD also held a press conference about the arrests Wednesday afternoon and released these photos with charges listed next to each individual.