Citizen Camera Catches Austin Car Thieves | Austin News

Austin residents are fed up with skyrocketing car break-ins at hotspots like Mt. Bonnell and Bull Creek. After his own vehicle was repeatedly targeted, local resident James Baumgardner took matters into his own hands by secretly filming thieves in action at the Bull Creek Greenbelt. His footage captured two men smashing a truck window — but when he tried to turn it over to police, he was shut down because he wasn’t the direct victim. Frustrated but undeterred, James’ story went viral, prompting Austin PD to finally act. The video became key evidence linking suspects Michael Grant and Fabian Ellison — already in custody for another break-in — to multiple other unsolved crimes. Police now say the footage directly led to arrests and are reviewing how to better accept citizen-submitted evidence. Meanwhile, patrols ramp up in affected areas as justice rolls in. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8354e70c27c695ef