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Cop injured and many police cars damaged as rocks and fireworks thrown at them while stopping 'street-racing incidents' in Austin

'The department wants to reiterate this behavior is reckless & poses significant risks and dangers to the public,' the poilce tweeted

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Austin police responded to multiple "street racing incidents" on Saturday night, February 18, in which the crowds were seen throwing rocks and fireworks in videos. Officials said this resulted in one officer getting injured and several police cars being damaged.

The Austin Police Department tweeted on the day of the incident, "APD is investigating a number of 'street racing incidents' across Austin tonight. The department wants to reiterate this behavior is reckless & poses significant risks and dangers to the public. APD remains committed to enforcing the law and keeping our community safe." And later added, "Last night's street racing in Austin injured one APD officer and damaged several police cars. APD is committed to stopping this conduct. Lawbreaking in this manner will result in enforcement and arrest."

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People pushed back on patrol car

Videos posted on social media platforms showed people pushing back on a patrol car. "Chaos at Barton Springs and Lamar in #Austin. Rioters after a bunch of drifting push back police and throw fireworks at them," wrote an individual. Another shared a different video and wrote, "Street racers have taken over the South Lamar and Barton Springs intersection in Austin. They’re doing donuts and lighting off fireworks with a big crowd."

Other witness videos zoomed into the distance showing the cars doing donuts while fireworks being set off in the middle of the crowd. Sharing one of the videos, a user wrote, "Austin really be like that? IDK, but it was something from a show, movie, dream, or reality?... We can't tell anymore." One more posted, "In Austin now: people setting off fireworks, blocking off the street, doing donuts, like 500 people, cops can’t get close (Lamar and Barton Springs Rd)."

Ongoing problems for 911 calls 

Austin City Council Member Alison Alter told the Austin American-Statesman that she happened to drive by the incident at Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard and called 911, but ended up on hold for 28 minutes.

In October, the average hold time for 911 calls in Austin was two-and-a-half minutes, reports Fox News. And 64 percent of 911 calls were answered within 15 seconds in August 2022. The Austin Police Department's emergency communications division has been facing issues with the 911 calls due to unprecedented vacancy rates, states Fox News.

Council member Kelly said, "We can improve reasonable police oversight.Accountability is critical to maintain the bonds of trust between police and the community. But the simple fact is that we need more police officers in this city, patrolling our streets, downtown, and major events. We need more police responding to calls for service. We need more police to reinstate specialized units. This must be an urgent priority for the new mayor and the city council."

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