Suspect arrested for deadly shooting on East Riverside Drive

Zacariah Lopez was booked into the Travis County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department (APD) has made an arrest in the fatal shooting of Jesse Hernandez, 25, on East Riverside Drive earlier this week.

Zacariah Mechi Lopez, 25, was arrested by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force on March 8. He was booked into the Travis County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

According to police, officers responded to a shoot/stab hot shot call that occurred under the bridge in the 4400 block of East Riverside Drive around 2 p.m. on Monday, March 7. When APD officers and EMS responded, they found a male victim, Jesse Hernandez, on the ground with trauma to his body.

Despite life-saving measures, Jesse Hernandez died from his wounds.

The official manner of death was determined to be a homicide.

Man shot, killed near E Riverside Drive in Southeast Austin

A man was shot and killed Monday afternoon near the 4400 block of E Riverside Drive. This marks the 16th homicide, so far, this year in Austin.

Homicide detectives and crime scene specialists responded to process the scene. While speaking to witnesses, detectives learned that a male was observed running from the scene immediately after the incident occurred. The suspect was reportedly seen leaving in a dark SUV.

Description of suspect's clothing:

Orange baseball cap
Large tan jacket with a hoodie
Black pants

Detectives are asking anyone with information or video of the incident to call APD Homicide at 512-974-TIPS; the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), use the Crime Stoppers app, or email homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. You may remain anonymous. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android.