Austin police are investigating several factors contributing to the rise in crime in Northeast Austin

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin police are increasing their presence in an area of ​​northeast Austin after noticing a spike in violent crime in the so-called “hotspot” over the past year.

The area is specifically in the area of ​​I-35 and East Braker Lane. Crime almost doubled from 2023 to 2024 and it’s time for a change.

“One of the things we want to talk about is the number of serious incidents we’ve had at this location,” said Austin Police Capt. Lisa Davis.

Calls in the East Braker Lane area near I-35 have increased from a total of 34 calls last year to 61 calls already with one month left in 2024.

“Both the frequency and the intensity of these calls have increased,” Davis said.

Just last week, police conducted a murder investigation near the Michelobos nightclub in which a security guard shot and killed a suspect who had allegedly shot another person. The suspect is charged with first-degree murder.

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“What is contributing to this increase in requests for service and this increase in crime in this area? So that will absolutely be a priority,” said Captain Davis.

Austin Police Commander Lee Davis says police are doing their part to reach out to area businesses.

“We have been in contact with not only the property owners, property management, but also the facility owners,” Commander Davis said.

Commander Davis says the area has been a hotspot for some time.

“I want to reassure the community that something is happening. They are happening aggressively and at a rapid pace,” he said. “We want to make sure our communities know we hear you.”

Davis says a key message is being passed on to all businesses in the area.

“This will not be tolerated,” he said.

According to Captain Davis, one of the things police are doing in the area is increasing surveillance – which the department began doing back in April. They also look at liquor licenses for businesses in the area, as well as anything else that could be contributing to the increase in crime.