ATX PULSE 9/11/24: Man Dead After Being Shot by APD in N. ATX // APD: 911 Answering 90% of Calls // APD Searching for Shooter in Downtown Road Rage // Flood Risk Reduction Project Coming to S. ATX (1)

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 93° / L: 70°. Francine could bring rain. Latest forecast from Fox 7 Austin’s Zack Shields here.

PLEASE HELP THIS AUSTIN FAMILY

From GoFundMe: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Wolfgang Niedert. To honor his lifelong dedication to education and philanthropy, we ask that memorial contributions be made to a college fund for his beloved daughters, Sophie (9) and Oliva (5). In this time of overwhelming sorrow, we are incredibly grateful for the love and support from those whose lives were touched by Wolfgang.

Personal note: Wolfgang and I have been friends for at least ten years, with Texas athletics being our top shared interest. I have known Wolfgang and Julie both very well and their darling daughters are precious. His loss was sudden and shocking. His philanthropic work in Eanes ISD, at UT and across our community was significant. His large network of friends across Austin and Texas is understandably devastated. We must lift up this family. I hope you will join Amy and I in supporting them at this time. You can support them here.

His obituary is here.

UPDATE: A funeral mass will be held for Wolfgang on Friday, Oct. 25 from 11am-12pm at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Austin. Send Flowers

Thank you for considering supporting this family.

YOU’RE INVITED: JOINT BIRTHDAY FOR AMY & MATT MACKOWIAK FRIDAY

Got plans Friday? Break ‘em.

Trophy wife and speech pathologist to the stars Amy Mackowiak and her consistently underperforming husband Matt Mackowiak are hosting a joint birthday party at the fabulous CABANA CLUB from 5-8pm on Friday, Sept. 13.

Amy is AGELESS and Matt turns 45.

Please bring a canned good as we will make a collection for the Central Texas Food Bank. If you cannot attend or simply wish to give monetarily, we would appreciate you making a charitable contribution to CTFB here.

» Please RSVP here (so we have enough space!).

TOP NEWS

“Man dead after being shot by officers in north Austin,” KXAN’s Anthony Torres — “A man died after he was shot by officers Tuesday night near West Anderson Lane and Wooten Park Drive, according to the Austin Police Department.

APD said no officers were injured in the shooting. The initial call came in at 10:59 p.m.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the man was “attempting to gain access” into a nail salon and convenience store, with a gun in his hand.

After officers encountered the man and asked him to drop his gun and put his hands up, they were met with resistance, according to Chief Davis. Five officers fired at the man, which led to his death, Davis said.

Austin Police said the area of West Anderson Lane, near Burnet Road, will continue to be shut down as the investigation continues into Wednesday morning. Police said drivers should plan their routes accordingly and expect delays.

APD said the 1700 block of West Anderson will remain closed until 1 p.m. while officers stay on the scene investigating.

Chief Davis will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. to provide more details about the incident. Wednesday marks Davis’s third day on the job. She stepped into the role on Sept. 1 after moving from her previous position as assistant chief of the Cincinnati Police Department.” KXAN

“APD: 911 ‘consistently’ answering 90% of calls within 15 seconds,” KXAN’s Brianna Hollis — “Austinites are still finding themselves on hold with 911.

Anthony Paramo said it happened to him when he called to report dangerous debris on the highway.

“I dialed 911 and then it was like, no one answered at first, then all of a sudden I was put on hold,” he said. “I literally looked at my car and I was like ‘wait, what?'”

Staffing struggles over the past four years contributed to situations like this, but the department has cut its call-taker vacancy rate in half since the end of last year. See the below figures from the Austin Police Department regarding current staffing rates.

• Call-takers: 6 vacancies out of 104 total positions

• Dispatchers: 9 vacancies out of 75 total positions

By comparison, in July, the call-taker vacancy was around 50%.

Call-takers answer incoming 911 calls directly, whereas dispatchers communicate directly with police officers.

The national standard for 911 answer rates is 15 seconds, and APD said since the beginning of this year, the 911 center is meeting that goal more than 90% of the time.” KXAN

THE BLOTTER

“Austin police search for shooter in Downtown Austin road rage incident,” KVUE’s Morgan McGrath — “A person was taken to the hospital after the incident on Sept. 2 at East Seventh Street and Red River Street.

APD is offering up to $1,000 in the search for a suspect after they say two drivers began arguing at the intersection of East Seventh and Red River streets on Sept. 2.

Police said they were handling a separate incident when they heard gunshots and found a person who was bleeding. The victim was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, and APD has since learned new information on a possible suspect.

Officers are searching for a man who was previously seen wearing a gold chain necklace, light, ripped jeans and a black T-shirt. Police said he has short hair or a shaved head. They also believe the suspect was with two other men in a newer silver or gray Chevrolet Malibu without a front license plate.

The shooter drove near the victim -who was driving in a separate vehicle- and the front passenger shot at them several times, according to the release.

An officer on scene that morning said the suspect fled the area after the shooting, and the search continues more than a week later.

If you have any helpful information, call the Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 or visit their website here. You can also reach out to the APD Aggravated Assault Unit at 512-974-5245.” KVUE

“Austin police searching for suspects accused of shooting at people in H-E-B parking lot,” KVUE’s Johann Castro — “The Austin Police Department (APD) is asking for the public's assistance in locating two suspects accused of shooting at people at an East Austin H-E-B.

According to APD, the incident occurred on Aug. 17 just before 10 p.m. Police say the suspects began firing at people while they were walking out of the store located on E. 51st Street, before leaving the scene in a white sedan.

Suspect 1, who police say was the driver, is described as:

• Hispanic male

• Slim build

• Curly black hair

• Last seen wearing a white t-shirt with the black Nike logo on the left chest area, dark-colored pants, white shoes and multiple chains around his neck

Suspect 2 is described as:

• Hispanic male

• Slim build

• Curly black hair

• Last seen wearing a red sleeveless shirt, dark-colored pants and Nike shoes

The suspect vehicle is described as:

• White sedan, possibly a Honda Civic

• Tinted windows

• Sunroof

• No front license plate

Anyone with any information about this incident, such as vehicle information or the identity of the two suspects inside the vehicle, is encouraged to contact the APD Aggravated Assault Unit at 512-974-5177. A tip may be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.” KVUE

“Cement truck fire on MoPac near Wells Branch draws heavy response,” via CBS Austin — “A cement truck caught on fire on northbound MoPac near Wells Branch Parkway in North Austin early Tuesday morning, drawing a significant response from first responders.

CBS Austin Traffic Anchor Sophia Stamas posted about the incident on X at 5:13 a.m. She said that the Austin Fire Department responded and was able to extinguish the blaze, but drivers should still expect delays.

"Crews had multiple lanes blocked off," Stamas said.

CBS Austin's Fred Cantu went to the scene and watched firefighters leave the scene. A truck then came to tow the cement truck.

Stamas said clearing such a large truck usually takes a while due to the limited availability of specialized trucks needed for incidents like this.” CBS Austin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Travis County commissioners to consider $884 million Central Health budget,” Community Impact Austin’s Kameryn Griesser — “Travis County's public hospital district, Central Health, settled on a proposed $884 million budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year—about 18% more than last year's budget.

The district's board also voted for a new tax rate of $0.107969 per $100 valuation, or about $66 more per year on the average homeowner's property taxes.

Some reasons for the higher budget include the expansion of its specialty care services, such as cardiology, nephrology, rheumatology and endocrinology, according to a statement from Central Health board Treasurer Maram Museitif.

Additionally, the district plans to broaden its behavioral health services and respite care for homeless patients.

The district also budgeted for about 386 full-time employees in the coming year.

Here is a summarized breakdown of the proposed expenses:

• Health care services: $353.46 million

• Administration: $38.51 million

• Agreement with Dell Seton Medical Center: $35 million

• Other: $61.38 million

• Opioid Abatement Expenses: $4.66 million

• Reserves: $395.73 million

Central Health was established by voter approval in 2004 to fund health care services for the county's indigent and low-income residents, primarily through property taxes.” Community Impact Austin

“City of Austin making progress on demolishing vacant buildings used as shelter for unhoused people, as fire issues continue,” KVUE’s Daranesha Herron — “The City of Austin vacant building task force said it's making progress with demolishing and cleaning up vacant buildings, as more fires continue to pop up at abandoned structures.

The smell of smoke still lingers a day after the Austin Fired Department (AFD) said at least four structures went up in flames on South Congress Avenue and E Dittmar Road on Monday evening.

"There was evidence on the property that there were several small encampments there," said Austin Fire Assistant Chief Thayer Smith. 

Smith said AFD constantly responds to fires caused by people who are unhoused and taking shelter in abandoned properties. 

"Certainly concerning that, you know, these fires haven't slowed down," said Smith. "Usually, we see it ebb and flow with the weather but that's really not the case now."

Smith said more vacant buildings are popping up all over the city, possibly due to the economy. Because of this, in 2023 the city created a vacant structure task force to get these properties demolished. 

"That process can take months and months," said Smith. 

Smith said progress is being made. The Homeless Strategy Office said the demolition process at 900 Old Koenig Ln. started Thursday with lead and asbestos abatement. The office said 14 people were removed from the property, with nine accepting city resources and services. The Development Services Department said the demolition is expected to be completed in a few weeks. 

That location has had multiple fires, including a two-alarm fire where multiple unhoused people had to be evacuated. 

On 3511 E 7th St., Smith said three vacant buildings were recently demolished because of the task force's efforts. He said there were multiple fire and medical calls at the location. 

"At the end of the day, our mission is to make sure all of our firefighters go home safe," said Smith. "These buildings really present a challenge for us and they're very, very dangerous. It's been proven a number of times across the country with firefighters getting killed in vacant structures."

Smith said there are 25 to 50 vacant structures on their problem list, and that their goal is to prioritize structures causing the most issues for residents.

In a statement, the The Homeless Strategy Office wrote "The City of Austin is actively engaged in efforts to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring."“ KVUE

“Former Austin police official charged with domestic violence denied termination appeal,” Austin American-Statesman’s Skye Seipp — “A former top Austin police official, who was fired after being arrested and charged with misdemeanor family violence assault last year, saw his termination appeal denied late Monday, a city official confirmed to the American-Statesman.

Austin police arrested Jonathan Kringen in October after officers said they witnessed him being physically violent with a woman. At the time, Kringen was placed on administrative leave and the Police Department said it would "complete a thorough investigation" of the incident.

The Statesman asked the department what the results of that investigation were but did not get a response. Employee records show that Kringen was fired in April. He had been the department's chief data officer.

When contacted Tuesday for comment, Kringen deferred to his lawyer, Brad Heilman, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kringen appealed his termination in a hearing before the city's Municipal Civil Service Commission on Monday.

While the hearing is typically a public meeting, Kringen's legal team asked to hold it in private due to the sensitive nature of some of the details, which is legal under the Texas Open Meetings Act when discussing certain things, such as personnel matters.

The city did not object to closing the meeting. At the time of publication, the audio recording of the public portion of the meeting had not been made available. The meeting lasted into the evening.

Top brass of the Austin Police Department were present at Monday's hearing as witnesses, including interim Police Chief Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt and Assistant Police Chief Lee Rogers.” AAS ($)

“Historic Landmark Commission takes steps to preserve piece of East Austin,” KVUE’s Kelsey Sanchez — “A vacant building sits at the intersection of East 12th and Comal Street in East Austin, and there's a battle over whether it should stay put or be knocked down.

On Sept. 4, the Austin Historic Landmark Commission unanimously signed off on the recommendation of making the property a landmark after the real estate developer, Eureka Holding, applied for a demolition permit.

The building, located at 1500 East 12th St., has stood for more than 100 years. According to the 2016 East Austin Historic Resource Survey, it was built around 1910, but there are records that indicate its address may go as far back as 1889.

Preservation Austin Policy & Outreach Planner Meghan King explained that the history and significance of the building is "undeniable."

"This is really an important corner in East Austin that deserves -- it deserves careful attention," said King, "It shouldn't be demolished for a vacant lot."“ KVUE

2024

~ “Austin mayoral candidate sues city over campaign contribution limits,” CBS Austin’s Tara Brolley – “A mayoral candidate in Austin has filed a lawsuit challenging a city charter provision that limits campaign contributions from outside the city.

Doug Greco, formerLead Organizer of Central Texas interfaith, filed the complaint and a motion for temporary injunction on Tuesday against a rule that prohibits mayoral candidates from raising more than $47,000 from donors outside Austin during an election.

Greco argues the restriction violates the First Amendment rights of out-of-city donors and unfairly advantages incumbents and wealthy candidates who can self-fund their campaigns.

"I should be able to run a grassroots fundraising campaign from friends, colleagues, supporters and families from inside and outside of Austin," Greco said in a statement.” CBS Austin

OTHER NEWS

~ “A multimillion-dollar flood risk reduction project is coming to South Austin,” KVUE’s Matt Fernandez – “A flood-prone part of South Austin is about to get a multimillion-dollar upgrade to reduce the risk of flooding.

It’s a $7.5 million project called the “Annie Street Flood Risk Reduction.” It will be done in a 50-acre area that runs north and south between Annie and Live Oak streets.

"We have over 6,000 linear feet of new storm drain that's going in," said Janae Spence, an assistant director with the Watershed Protection Department. "We have aging infrastructure in the area. Some of it is over 100 years old and not able to withstand the capacity.

Residents in the area have documented the numerous times their homes have flooded. Keith Mahon, who lives on Mary Street, detailed the devastating Halloween floods that happened in 2015.

"It would just come down ... It was remarkable how much came down the street. A river literally was coming through our house. When it hit almost 2 feet at the front door, you are thinking river," Mahon said.

According to Mahon, the damage was so bad to his home that he had to rebuild.

"It was all molded," Mahon said. "The whole first floor was molded. It was in real bad shape."

Mahon credited the city for making some improvements since then, but the roads still flood. He's glad more improvements are coming.

"It’s great, we are going to stay dry in the rain. That’s the excitement," Mahon said. "This has been a big issue for myself ... probably some of the neighbors behind me. Once that gets taken care of we will feel safe."

Construction is set to begin in fall of 2025 and will take up to two years to complete.” KVUE

SPORTS

~ TEXAS FOOTBALL: “One way Texas football’s vs. UTSA can help prepare Longhorns for the SEC,” Austin American-Statesman’s David Eckert — “The UTSA Roadrunners, who will visit Texas football in Week 3, are an aptly named bunch.

Coached by former Longhorns assistant Jeff Traylor, UTSA has finished each of the last two seasons among the fastest-paced offenses in college football, averaging over 75 plays per game in both campaigns. To start 2024, the Roadrunners are operating at a 79.5 play-per-game average.

After playing the slow, plodding Michigan offense (59.5 plays per game) last week, Texas' defense is facing quite an adjustment. Last week, the Longhorns lined up across from a tractor-trailer. This week, they're staring down a sports car.

"With tempo, it makes us obviously have to align and move faster," Texas defensive lineman Barryn Sorrell said Monday. "But it's nothing that we're not accustomed to. We know how to communicate. We just have to get aligned faster."

A 35-point underdog as of Tuesday afternoon, UTSA (1-1) doesn't seem equipped to give Texas (2-0) the kind of scare it provided in 2022, when the Longhorns and Roadrunners played to a stalemate in the first half. Without former quarterback Frank Harris — who threw for 11,862 yards and rushed for 2,145 more in his UTSA career — the Roadrunners look out of sorts. They handled Kennesaw State at home in uninspiring fashion Week 1, then got blown out 49-10 by Texas State last week.

But, with its pace, UTSA can give the Longhorns a look that they're likely to see a few times in SEC play. They'll play their inaugural SEC game at home Sept. 28 against Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are coached by Jeff Lebby, who previously authored high-paced offenses at both Ole Miss and Oklahoma. From 2020-23, every offense Lebby directed finished the season in the top-10 nationally in plays per game.

"I want to show that we’re going to play fast,” Lebby said this spring. “We’re going to be fearless. We’re going to be physical in everything that we do. I want to put a product on the field that, again, people are excited about.”” AAS ($)

QUICK LINKS

~ Austin F.C. gets new tech to head toward net zero status KXAN

~ Recognize her? Teen accused of killing Sonic manager may be in Austin - KVUE

~ As rents across the country go up, Austin prices continue to fall - KUT

~ Early childhood education center to open as first part of Four Points YMCA - Community Impact

~ 'Vulnerability I've never felt before': Wendy Davis testifies in Austin 'Trump Train' trial - Austin American-Statesman

~ New medical spa offering IV drip therapy in South Austin - Community Impact

~ FastFrame and The Westlake Gallery to celebrate 25-year anniversary - Community Impact

~ SmileOn Orthodontics to celebrate 10th anniversary in October with special offer - Community Impact

~ Thai Spice Restaurant upholds 26-year Austin-area legacy - Community Impact

~ Bull riding and live music to fill Mayfest Park on Sept. 14 - Community Impact

~ SusieCakes serving up ‘all-American homestyle’ baked goods in Central Austin - Community Impact

~ Locally owned storage facility opening soon in Buda - Community Impact

~ EMS station renovations improve conditions for an industry with a high attrition rate - Austin Monitor

~ APD: One dead after crash between vehicle, pedestrian on SH 71 - KXAN

~ South Korean, U.S. ambassadors to make stop in Williamson County as part of three-state trip - ABJ

~ Animal Advisory Commission considers banning glue traps in Austin - Austin Monitor

AUSTIN CULTURE

~ LIVE MUSIC: ”Wilco brings 3-day, no-repeat residency Songs FKA Winterlude to Austin” Culture Map Austin

~ ART: ”Immersive art exhibits diving into Van Gogh and Monet add Austin dates” Culture Map Austin

~ DINING: ”The Best Things Eater Austin Editors Ate Last Week: Lunch Sandwiches and Brunch Pastries” Austin Eater

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ LIVE MUSIC: Lucinda Williams (and her band) and Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs. ACL Live. 7:30pm. Tix $5 and up here.

COOL JOB ALERT

~ Government Relations Officer: Texas A&M Health Science Center. Salary: Commensurate. Info / apply here.