APD: 4 arrested in north Austin apartment crime operation
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Four people were arrested in connection with a "proactive criminal enforcement operation" conducted by the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety at a north Austin apartment complex last week, per a news release from APD.
The operation happened May 1 at the Thurmond Heights Apartment Complex, located on Thurmond Street and North Lamar Boulevard, according to APD. Police said law enforcement focused on this area, because it is statistically identified as a high-crime zone, "particularly those with elevated rates of violent offenses, narcotics activity, and other quality-of-life concerns.
Police said while observing the apartment complex, officers saw "multiple individuals involved in illegal activity, as well as the specific apartment unit being used in connection with these offenses."
APD identified four individuals who were involved in the operation and arrested on various charges:
Neshea Harper, 30
- Possession of a Controlled Substance; Penalty Group 1 Crack Cocaine F2
- Request to Apprehend – Obstructing Highway Passage; Class B Misdemeanor
Chaz Young, 39
- Delivery of a Controlled Substance; Penalty Group 1 Crack Cocaine F1
- Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon F2 (Stolen Revolver)
- Evading Detention or Arrest with Prior Conviction; State Jail Felony
Edwin Middleton, 34
- Possession of a Controlled Substance; Penalty Group 1 Crack Cocaine F3
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm F3
Kevin Abraham, 30
- Request to Apprehend – Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon F2
In addition to the arrest of the four individuals, police said officers obtained a search warrant for Harper's apartment at Thurmond Heights. The search resulted in officers seizing five handguns, around 1.5 ounces of crack cocaine and nine grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl, according to police.
APD said there will be additional charges pursued in this investigation. No other details were released Monday.