AUSTIN, Texas — Police arrested five people after officers discovered a woman handcuffed to exercise equipment outside a southeast Austin home Thursday, with the victim telling authorities she had been held captive for several months.
Around 9:09 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a Check Welfare Urgent call at 1700 Bitter Creek Drive after receiving a report of a woman in distress who appeared to be restrained and calling for help.
When officers arrived, they found an adult woman outside the home handcuffed to a piece of exercise equipment. The woman “showed signs of physical distress and had visible injuries consistent with prolonged restraint,” police said.
The woman told officers she had been held at the residence for several months and was not allowed to leave.
Austin police have been stationed at a southeast Austin neighborhood since Thursday morning, investigating what appears to be a domestic violence situation described as a “severe aggravated felony,” according to an officer on the scene. (Photo: APD)
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Officers immediately worked to free her and requested assistance from Austin Fire and Austin-Travis County EMS. Due to the condition of the restraints, officers were forced to cut through heavy metal links to release her safely, according to police.
The woman was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment, where she remains.
While officers were assisting the woman, multiple adults began exiting the residence and were detained while officers secured the scene. Three young children were also located at the property and were placed in the care of Child Protective Services.
Preliminary information gathered at the scene indicates that multiple adults living at the residence were involved in restraining and assaulting the victim over a period of time, police said.
Five adults were arrested and charged with Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Injury to Elderly or Disabled, and Unlawful Restraint:
Michelle Garcia, 51Crystal Garcia, 21Mache Carney, 32Juan Pablo Castro, 30Maynard Lefevers, 21Comment with Bubbles
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The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact APD’s Human Trafficking unit at 512-974-4786 or submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at austincrimestoppers.org or 512-472-8477.