Austin Man Arrested for Possession of Fentanyl-laced Cocaine

On Thursday, November 2, 2023, at approximately 5:10 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) patrol officers saw a vehicle violate multiple traffic codes in Downtown Austin. After the driver of the vehicle failed to signal a turn, Officers Tuminelli and Vandervalk initiated a traffic stop at the 100 block of San Antonio Street. The vehicle stopped and the driver, 37-year-old Jesus Diaz Cantu Jr., exited and ran away from the scene. Both officers immediately ran after Diaz Cantu, and within a short distance they were able to detain him.

Diaz Cantu was carrying a plastic bag with more than half a kilogram of fentanyl-laced cocaine. He was also carrying a handgun.

Diaz Cantu was charged with Unlawful Carry of a Weapon, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, and Evading on Foot.

With this arrest, Officers Tumineli and Vandervalk successfully removed approximately 250,000 fatal doses of the drug off the streets of Austin.

You may submit crime tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.