SWAT call in Northeast Austin: Barricaded subject in custody, APD says

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department says a barricaded subject in Northeast Austin is now in custody.

APD says the man was involved in a family violence situation and "experiencing a mental health crisis".

What we know:

The scene is at a home in the 12800 block of Bartholdi Street, not far from Dessau Middle School, Dessau Elementary School, and Delco Elementary School.

Austin police said the call came in about 9:18 a.m. Feb. 6 for a "high priority hotshot call for service." 

Officers responded, and an investigation determined this was a family violence situation and that one of the people involved was experiencing a mental health crisis and had made threats to harm himself and others.

SWAT was called in to assist when the man barricaded himself inside the home.

Patrol units, hostage negotiators, Victim Services and family violence detectives are also on scene, along with ATCEMS and the Austin Fire Department. FOX 7 Austin camera crews also briefly spotted a Pflugerville ISD police vehicle as well as the scene.

The public is asked to avoid the area and residents who live in the immediate area are asked to stay in a safe location "due to the seriousness and continuously evolving situation". However, there is no call for a shelter-in-place at this time. 

Police also currently believe that the man does not have a firearm inside the home. 

What we don't know:

It is currently unknown the exact cause of the family violence call or who else, if anyone, was involved.

It's also currently unknown if APD has a history with the home or occupants.

Pflugerville ISD response

Pflugerville ISD sent out a letter to Delco Elementary, Dessau Elementary and Dessau Middle School families about the incident.

What they're saying:

PfISD says in the letter that the incident did not impact the school day, but may impact students who live in the area and walk to and from school.

The district adds that officers on the scene will direct walkers who cannot get back to their homes back to their campus to contact their parents to pick them up.

Read the full letter below:

Dear Delco ES, Dessau ES and Dessau MS Families,

Our District is committed to the safety and education of all our students. I believe a commitment to open communication with parents about safety issues or procedures when they arise is essential. For this reason, I wanted to make you aware of the facts surrounding a situation near our campuses.

This afternoon, Austin Police Department SWAT responded to an incident in the Bartholdi Street, Blaine Road, and Bradbury Lane area. The incident did not impact our school day; regular car traffic and buses are normal. However, students who live in the area above and walk to school may not be able to walk home. 

We are thankful to all our emergency responders, whether they are police, fire, or EMTs, and the service they provide our community. We are appreciative of all they do, especially today, for their quick response in regard to reports of this activity near our campus.

We also ask all parents to speak with their students regarding safety expectations and the importance of reporting suspicious or threatening activity when they see it. Remember: "See Something, Say Something."

If you have any questions pertaining to your student, please contact your school’s front office.