Austin, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Police Department’s North Metro Tactical Unit has arrested nineteen individuals in a two-month operation targeting open-air drug markets in seven high-crime areas of North Austin. The operation focused on hotspots, including six Drug Free Zones, aimed at curbing drug-related activities that jeopardize community safety and family welfare. Arrests occurred in various locations, resulting in the confiscation of firearms and illegal substances, with authorities emphasizing the importance of ongoing enforcement and community vigilance.
Austin – The Austin Police Department’s North Metro Tactical Unit has arrested nineteen individuals during a two-month operation targeting open-air drug markets in North Austin. The initiative focused on seven high-crime areas, known as “hotspots,” which include six designated as Drug Free Zones (DFZ) within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, or playgrounds. These areas have been notorious for frequent loitering and drug deals, posing significant risks to local families.
The operation was conducted in response to a history of criminal activities in these neighborhoods, including assaults, thefts, robberies, weapon-related offenses, prostitution, vandalism, and overall disturbances affecting local quality of life. Police indicated that drug dealers operated openly, endangering communities.
The arrests took place in various locations including:
- 1800 block of Colony Creek Dr.
- 900 Rutland Dr. and 800 W Rundberg Ln.
- Manor Road and Rogge Lane, where Clifton Barnes (43) was charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone.
- 6800 block of Berkman Dr., where two individuals were arrested.
- E St. Johns Ave. and N IH 35, where Richard Payne (62) was charged with Aggravated Robbery, and Dennis Sterling (57) was charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone.
- Georgian Dr. and Jennifer Ln., where Terrance Yarbrough (41) faced multiple charges including Delivery and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
- 889 Wilks Ave., where Willie Thompson (50) was charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone.
During these arrests, several firearms and illegal drugs were confiscated. The ages of the suspects range from 27 to 62 years, many of whom have prior offenses related to drug sales. Authorities do not believe that these individuals are part of an organized group or gang.
Detective Shawn Green emphasized that the operation aims to reduce risks to families in the area and highlighted the necessity for ongoing enforcement in the affected hotspots. The tactical unit plans to revisit these locations to ensure continuous oversight and address drug-related activities that have become pervasive.
In light of the operation, the Austin Police Department encourages community members to report any suspicious activities. Residents can contact the police directly or make anonymous reports through Crime Stoppers. The department aims to foster long-term solutions in tackling drug activity that has been compared to an economic challenge, affecting the safety and welfare of families in the area.
Parents are urged to remain vigilant and instill safety measures in their children, such as the buddy system, to help navigate these challenges effectively.
FAQ
How many individuals were arrested during the operation in Austin?
Nineteen individuals were arrested during a two-month crackdown on open-air drug markets in North Austin.
What areas were targeted during the operation?
The operation targeted seven high-crime areas referred to as “hotspots,” with six of these hotspots designated as Drug Free Zones (DFZ), located within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, or playgrounds.
What types of crimes have historically occurred in these neighborhoods?
Historically, these neighborhoods have been associated with criminal activities including assaults, thefts, robberies, weapon-related offenses, prostitution, vandalism, and disturbances affecting local quality of life.
What arrest locations were identified?
Arrests were made in various locations including 1800 block of Colony Creek Dr., 900 Rutland Dr., 800 W Rundberg Ln., Manor Road and Rogge Lane, 6800 block of Berkman Dr., E St. Johns Ave. and N IH 35, Georgian Dr. and Jennifer Ln., and 889 Wilks Ave.
What should community members do if they observe suspicious activity?
Community members are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the Austin Police Department or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Key Features of the Operation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Arrests | Nineteen individuals |
| Duration of Operation | Two months |
| Number of Hotspots Targeted | Seven high-crime areas |
| Designated Drug Free Zones | Six hotspots within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, or playgrounds |
| Types of Crimes Addressed | Assaults, thefts, robberies, weapon-related offenses, prostitution, vandalism |
| firearms confiscated | Multiple firearms and illegal drugs |
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: Austin Drug Crackdown
- Wikipedia: Drug Enforcement
- FOX 7 Austin: APD Investigation
- Google Search: Austin Drug Bust
- CBS Austin: High Crime Hotspots
- Google Scholar: Drug Control Strategies
- WSFA: Narcotics Seizure in Troy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police Operations
- FOX 7 Austin: Drug Trafficking Arrest
- Google News: North Austin Crime
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
