Austin Residents on High Alert After Violent Burglary
Austin, Texas — In a brazen and frightening incident that unfolded on Wednesday, December 4, two men have been taken into custody following a violent burglary at an apartment complex located at 6407 Springdale Road in northeast Austin. The Austin Police Department reports that chaos erupted mid-morning, prompting an urgent response from law enforcement around 11:53 a.m.
What Happened?
According to police, multiple suspects stormed into an apartment while a resident was inside. In a shocking twist, the victim, a woman in the apartment, quickly found refuge by hiding in her closet. Her first instinct? Reach out to her boyfriend for help, creating a tense situation that would only escalate from there.
As her boyfriend rushed to her aid, he encountered the suspects fleeing the scene. It was at this moment that the situation took a dangerous turn. One of the suspects, identified as 19-year-old Orlen Guillen, allegedly fired a shot from a pistol towards the boyfriend as he chased after them. Thankfully, the boyfriend was not injured during this harrowing encounter. However, the suspects managed to make their getaway before police could arrive on the scene.
Chasing Down the Suspects
Not letting the situation slide, the Austin Police Department’s detectives worked diligently to track down the assailants. By December 5, investigators had used a license plate reader to locate the vehicle of the suspects, successfully apprehending Guillen. But that wasn’t all — they also stumbled upon another suspect, 20-year-old Nefi Amed Gomez-Lopez, who was found loitering in the parking lot of the same complex. What’s more? He was still dressed in the same clothes linked to the burglary!
As police approached Gomez-Lopez, he made an ill-fated decision and allegedly tossed a stolen 9mm pistol out of his backpack. Talk about a dramatic scene! Both suspects were promptly taken to the Austin Police Department’s Residential Burglary Unit, where they supposedly confessed to detectives about their involvement. The tangled web of crime didn’t stop there.
Searching for Answers
Following their arrest, detectives executed a search warrant at Guillen’s home, uncovering a cellphone believed to be connected to a third suspect, along with another vehicle potentially linked to the crime spree. But that’s not all — a 9mm shell casing recovered from the original burglary scene is now suggested to be tied to an earlier burglary incident that occurred on November 8. This development has propelled active inquiries into whether at least one of the suspects was involved in that unrelated shooting.
Still Dangers Lurking
As the investigation progresses, police suspect there are still two additional suspects on the loose. The tension in the air is palpable, with many residents likely feeling uneasy after such a bold crime. If you have any leads or information that could assist the investigation, the Austin Police Department is urging you to reach out. You can contact them at 512-974-4941 or via email at APDBurglaryUnit@austintexas.gov.
In the heart of the community, such incidents remind citizens about the importance of vigilance and staying aware of their surroundings. Austin’s resilient spirit continues to shine, but everyone is hoping for a quick resolution to this case, bringing the remaining suspects to justice.
