AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department is investigating what it's referring to as a series of "street takeovers" throughout the city Saturday night. Numerous videos posted to social media showed large crowds blocking traffic, cars being raced, doing donuts and creating a scene of mayhem.
In an update Sunday, the department announced that one officer was injured and multiple APD police vehicles were damaged as a result of the night's events. Two people were arrested for evading arrest, and as investigation remains ongoing, further charges may be filed.
The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was released after being treated at a local hospital.
According to reports, around 9:01 p.m., callers reported five vehicles were blocking the Barton Springs and South Lamar intersection, with street racers doing donuts and shooting off fireworks. Officers arrived on scene at 9:23 p.m. and continued to monitor the car club as it moved north.
At 10:27 p.m., officers near the northbound I-35 service road and East Anderson reported the car club at that location. Multiple vehicles began to drive recklessly and in circles. APD dispersed the crowd. Two hours later, at 12:52 a.m., callers reported the car club at Berkman Drive and Barbara Jordan Boulevard. The first officer arrived at this location at 12:58 a.m. Officers reported glass bottles being thrown. The crowd was dispersed at 1:07 a.m.
At around 1:35 a.m., 911 calls state that vehicles were blocking the intersection of Metric Boulevard and Braker Lane, doing donuts. Someone started a fire. The crowd was dispersed at 1:56 a.m. Austin Police Department says rocks and bottles were thrown at officers and lasers pointed at them during these incidents. Rocks and bottles were also thrown at patrol vehicles, causing damage.
APD reminds the public of the threat dangerous stunts like this pose to the community.
This is an ongoing investigation. Further details may follow.