Austin Police Responds to Assault, Case Designated as a Hate Crime

On Sunday, February 4, 2024, at around 6:59 p.m., the Austin Police Department (APD) responded to a disturbance call at the intersection of Nueces Street and W 26th Street.

Upon arrival, officers found a man with non-life-threatening injuries who was transported to a local hospital. A suspect, 36-year-old Bert James Baker, was arrested and booked into the Travis County Jail on charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Following the incident, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called for the crime to be classified as a hate crime.

The Hate Crimes Review Committee reviewed the case and determined that it met the definition of a hate crime. The information has been forwarded to the Travis County District Attorney’s Office for further action, and the prosecuting office will decide whether to enhance the offense to a hate crime.

Authorities remind the public to report any suspicious activities or threats by calling 9-1-1. The City of Austin has launched the “We All Belong” campaign to underscore its commitment to diversity and intolerance of hate. For more information on reporting hate crimes and accessing available resources, individuals can visit austintexas.gov/againsthate.