APD searching for burglary suspect
AUSTIN -- Police are searching for a burglary subject after a woman woke up to find a man in her bedroom.
The incident happened just after 4 a.m. in the 2100 block of San Gabriel Street in Central Austin on Tuesday.
Police say a woman woke up to a man standing in her bedroom, burglarizing her home.
"She woke up thinking something was going on in her apartment," said Corp. Anthony Hipolito, a public information officer with APD. "She woke up and immediately saw him at the foot of her bed."
When she started screaming, he ran away. Officers soon arrived and searched the area. They were unable to find the suspect.
APD says early investigation results show no signs of forced entry into the home. The victim was not able to provide a description of the man.
There was no attack, but that news did little to allay fears in an area already on high alert after the still unsolved murder of Esme Barrera. Barrera's body was found early on New Year's Day in her home near King and West 31st streets just north of the UT campus. Police say there were two other assaults in the neighborhood around the same time, and those cases could be related.
Corporal Hipolito said it was still too early in the investigation to say whether this crime was related to any other cases they are working. However, just a few weeks after an unsolved murder in the same area, some residents remain concerned.
"I am guessing it was about 4 a.m.," said Susan Ellington, who lives near where the crime occurred. "There were cops banging on my door. They just asked me if anything had happened, and if I had seen anything or heard anything."
"I get especially scared," said Ellington. "I am in the school of architecture, and I have a lot of late nights in the studio. I usually walk home by myself at three, four, five in the morning, so that is very scary for me to know. It is terrifying."
"Especially here," said Brittany Bartos, who lives near where the crime occurred. "There are a few apartments that have windows you can easily access from the street."
Many West Campus residents told KVUE News they were aware of the news alerts and trying to be proactive.
"Usually I put a chair up against my door," said Bartos. "If someone opens it, it will at least wake me up if it falls over. It is not going to stop them from getting in, but at least I might be more aware."
Police have released a list of tips to help you stay safe:
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when you are alone.
- If you have a cell phone, carry it with you at all times.
- When you are at home or away from home, lock your doors, windows and set your alarm systems.
- Stay in contact with your neighbors and look out for each other.
- If you see or hear something suspicious, call 911 immediately.
This burglary case is under investigation by APD. If you have any information, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.
