Police arrest man in connection to 2 bank robberies in South Austin

By FOX 7 Austin Digital Team
Updated  September 8, 2023 4:39pm CDT
FOX 7 Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department arrested a man connected to two bank robberies in South Austin.

On Wednesday, Sept. 6, APD’s Violent Crimes Task Force arrested Brian Galarza. He was charged with three counts of Robbery by Threat.

Brian Galarza was arrested in connection to several bank robberies in South Austin

Police said the first robbery was on August 25 at the Wells Fargo at 1825 South Pleasant Valley Rd.

Galarza was seen showing the teller a note demanding money. He then left the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

APD is searching for a bank robbery suspect. This photo was taken during the August 25 robbery at Wells Fargo. 
APD is searching for a bank robbery suspect. This photo was taken during the August 25 robbery at Wells Fargo. 

The second robbery happened on August 29 at the Wells Fargo at 2326 South Congress Avenue.

Galarza again presented a note to the teller demanding money. Surveillance video from the bank helped detectives match the build of the suspect in the previous robbery. 

APD is searching for a bank robbery suspect. This photo was taken during the August 29 robbery at Wells Fargo. 
APD is searching for a bank robbery suspect. This photo was taken during the August 29 robbery at Wells Fargo. 

Anyone with any information should contact APD's Robbery unit at 512-974-5092. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.