Case:  25-1970890

Date:  Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Time:  3:20 p.m.

Suspect (Arrested):  Taleja Jenkins, Black female, 26 years of age

Suspect (Arrested):  Deshauna Penson, Black female, 28 years of age

 

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at approximately 3:20 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to reports of a group of individuals breaking into vehicles at Zilker Metropolitan Park. Callers indicated that the suspects had broken into several vehicles and had fled the scene in a silver Hyundai vehicle.

Responding officers located the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. During the stop, they recovered stolen property belonging to one of the victims.

Officers arrested Taleja Jenkins and Deshauna Penson for burglary of a vehicle and other related offenses.
            
                 
Case:                          25-2190837

Date:                          Thursday, August 7, 2025

Time:                           1:30 p.m.

Suspect (Arrested):  Trayvon Swain, Black male, 26 years of age

Suspect (Arrested):  Randy Council, Black male, 34 years of age



On Thursday, August 7, 2025, members of the Austin Police Department's North Metro Tactical Response Unit conducted a proactive enforcement operation at Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, as well as Covert Park at Mount Bonnell. Around 1:30 p.m., APD officers observed the occupants of a vehicle acting suspiciously in Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, located at 3505 W 35th St.

The suspicious vehicle was seen pulling up next to several parked cars, with two male occupants discreetly exiting their vehicle to peek into adjacent cars. The officers suspected that the occupants were searching for items of value inside the vehicles. Within a matter of minutes, the suspects moved multiple times within the small parking area to look into other cars.

When the vehicle left the park, officers followed and observed the driver passing other vehicles unsafely, by-passing other vehicles, weaving through traffic, and traveling in the opposite lane. A traffic stop was conducted, and the two occupants were detained and identified as Randy Council and Trayvon Swain.

Randy Council, the driver of the vehicle, was arrested for reckless driving and attempted burglary of a motor vehicle. Trayvon Swain was also arrested for attempted burglary of a motor vehicle.

The Austin Police Department will continue to implement proactive measures in Austin parks. APD wants to share some tips with the community to help avoid becoming victims of vehicle burglaries:

1. Always Lock Your Doors: Ensure that your vehicle doors and windows are secure and locked, even if you are only leaving for a short period of time.

2. Hide Valuables: Keep any valuables out of sight, or better yet, take them with you. Items such as bags, electronics, and even loose change can attract unwanted attention.

3. Park in Well-Lit Areas: Whenever possible, park in well-lit, populated areas. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in locations with high visibility and foot traffic.

4. Use Anti-Theft Devices: Consider investing in steering wheel locks, alarms, or GPS tracking devices to deter potential thieves.

5. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings when parking or returning to your vehicle, and report any suspicious activity.