Austin Police Arrest Fugitive with 10 Outstanding Warrants, Seize Firearms During Operation

AUSTIN, Texas. A suspected violent gang member with 10 outstanding arrest warrants was taken into custody July 1 following a coordinated operation by multiple Austin Police Department units that also resulted in the seizure of firearms and suspected stolen property.

The Austin Police Department said its South Metro Tactical Unit launched an investigation in June into 28-year-old Omar Martinez, who was wanted on a parole violation warrant and was known to carry firearms. Authorities said Martinez had a lengthy criminal history that included previous arrests for unlawful carrying of a weapon by a felon, robbery, evading arrest, engaging in organized crime, manufacturing and delivery of controlled substances, and firearms smuggling.

Martinez was wanted for violating parole after allegedly fleeing from the Texas Department of Public Safety during a vehicle pursuit and later evading Austin police on foot in a previous incident.

His outstanding warrants included charges of felon in possession of a firearm, delivery of a controlled substance, strangulation involving family violence, evading arrest in a vehicle, interference with a request for assistance, evading arrest on foot, theft, tampering with government records, possession of marijuana, and operating an unregistered or improperly registered vehicle.

According to police, the South Metro Tactical Unit worked alongside the department’s Air Support Unit, SWAT, and Robbery Unit to execute arrest and search warrants at an apartment in North Austin.

Investigators said surveillance officers and the Air1 helicopter tracked Martinez while he was traveling in a vehicle. After he appeared to detect the presence of law enforcement, he ran into a nearby residence. Tactical and SWAT officers quickly surrounded the location, and Martinez attempted to flee through the backyard before surrendering to officers without incident.

During the operation, investigators executed two residential search warrants and recovered two firearms along with numerous items believed to be stolen. Police estimated the value of the recovered property at approximately $2,000.

The investigation remains active as detectives continue examining Martinez’s possible involvement in unsolved burglary and theft cases.

The Austin Police Department said the South Metro Tactical Unit focuses on identifying and apprehending violent offenders, armed suspects, individuals involved in home burglaries, mailbox thefts and vehicle break-ins, as well as fugitives with felony warrants who evade law enforcement.