Austin Police Seek Suspect in Knife Assault at Downtown Park

Austin Police on the Hunt for Suspect After Approaching Assault in Downtown Park

Hey Austin! We’ve got an unfortunate story for you that has left many in the community concerned. Last month, an unexpected violent incident took place right in our downtown area, and the Austin Police Department is working hard to find the individual responsible.

What Happened?

On the chilly evening of November 16, around 5:30 p.m., a man was simply doing his job in the Republic Square Park, when he encountered what can only be described as a terrifying experience. According to reports, the victim, who was operating a leaf blower, was brutally attacked by a stranger wielding a knife. Talk about a random—and scary—situation.

Witnesses quickly dialed 911 after the shocking event unfolded, and APD officers rushed to the scene. There, they found the victim with an “obvious laceration” along the left side of his face. Our hearts definitely go out to him as he navigates this painful situation.

Describing the Suspect

So, who are the police looking for? The suspect has been described as a Black male, seemingly in his 50s to 60s, standing around 6 feet tall. Eyewitnesses also noted that he was sporting a white t-shirt that read “Never Give Up”, along with gray pants and black shoes. Interestingly, APD mentioned he was also walking with a limp.

In their investigation, police discovered that the suspect had taken a CapMetro bus from Oak Springs Drive to the park, which has certainly narrowed down the search a bit. Investigators have released images of the suspect, and it’s crucial for the community to keep their eyes peeled.

How You Can Help

If you or someone you know has any information that could assist the police in their search, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact APD’s Aggravated Assault Unit directly at 512-974-5245. For those who might prefer to keep things anonymous, tips can be submitted through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477.

And here’s a little added incentive: a reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest. Isn’t it great to see the community rally together in such challenging times?

Stay Safe, Austin!

As always, it’s a good reminder for all of us to stay alert and safe, especially in public spaces. While it’s disheartening to hear about such incidents, knowing that law enforcement is actively working on the case gives us a sense of comfort.

In the meantime, let’s remain vigilant and supportive of each other as a community. Whether it’s keeping an extra lookout on your evening strolls or simply checking in on your neighbors, every little bit helps!

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and if you’re in the area, make sure to take extra care. Our hopes are certainly with the victim for a speedy recovery, and with law enforcement for a quick resolution to this unsettling situation.