AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department announced on Wednesday, that on March 7 officers with the North Metro Tactical Response Unit arrested two individuals while conducting a “proactive enforcement operation” with patrol officers downtown.
APD said this was part of its continued effort to address vehicle burglaries in the city of Austin Parks. Police had previously made 12 arrests related to that effort earlier this month, according to a previous APD press conference.
During the operation on March 7 at 9:30 p.m., officers said they conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle had a fraudulent temporary license plate.
Officers identified the driver as Lonnie Burke and the passenger as Trayvon Swain, a known co-conspirator of the Austin City Parks vehicle burglaries, according to officials. Officers were aware that Swain had active warrants for Debit or Credit Card Abuse and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.
He was then placed under arrest and officers found that he had a tool designed to break vehicle windows. Additionally, officers located a black purse containing an Amazon gift card they believed to be stolen.
Burke had an expired driver’s license and was arrested for Driving while License Invalid, according to APD.
APD previously reminded Austinites to consider these tips when enjoying Austin’s parks:
- Lock car doors
- Hide valuables
- Park in well-lit areas
- Use anti-theft devices
- Be aware of surroundings
- Use recording devices, videos, etc.
