AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police arrested four men last week as part of an operation targeting drug and weapons crimes near Barton Springs Pool.
Police said they began looking into the free-use area near the pool after an increase in crime, complaints and calls for service from January through June. Reported incidents included aggravated robbery, vehicle break-ins, drug offenses and calls about suspicious people.
APD’s South Metro Tactical Unit conducted operations in the Zilker Park area in August and September, identifying several suspects and obtaining arrest warrants, police said. Officers served the warrants Sept. 24 with help from the department’s narcotics K-9 unit, drone unit and patrol officers.
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Those arrested were:
Andre Bailey, 32, charged with five counts of delivery of a controlled substance.Reginald Williams, 38, charged with three counts of unlawful carrying of a weapon, three counts of delivery of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana in a drug-free zone.Christopher Cox, 34, charged with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana in a drug-free zone.Mark Vara, 33, charged with delivery of a controlled substance.
Officers seized six firearms, ammunition, about 9 pounds of marijuana, 51 grams of cocaine, 20 grams of Xanax, 13 grams of methamphetamine, 55 grams of psilocybin and 2 grams of LSD, according to police.
Anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip through Capital Area Crime Stoppers at austincrimestoppers.org or 512-472-8477.
Tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.