AUSTIN, Texas — A man is in custody following a deadly overdose outbreak in Austin.
According to court documents obtained by KVUE, 55-year-old Johnny Lee Wright was arrested Monday afternoon after several overdoses were reported in Downtown Austin.
The Austin Police Department (APD) used surveillance cameras in the downtown entertainment district and noticed a woman engaged in "multiple hand-to-hand transactions." The woman would hand narcotics to a man, who then delivered them to customers.
Wright and a woman were both detained by APD just hours after the first call for an overdose. APD said Wright allegedly had a firearm in a small black bag that was loaded with four rounds of live ammunition.
According to APD, Wright has a history of narcotics activity and several previous felony convictions. He was later arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and is currently being held in the Travis County Jail on a $10,000 bond. Officials said Wednesday that further investigation would be needed for additional charges.
Meanwhile, the second person was detained by police, but it's unclear if she will face any charges.
Officials said at least nine opioid-related deaths are suspected after nearly 80 overdose calls this week.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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