APD Arrests Multiple Suspects in Proactive Criminal Enforcement Operation

Cases:  25-1211220
             25-1211233
             25-1211478

Date:  Thursday, May 1, 2025
 
On Thursday, May 1, 2025, members of the Austin Police Department (APD) North Metro Tactical Response Unit, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division, conducted a proactive criminal enforcement operation. This operation focused on areas in North Austin that have been statistically identified as high-crime zones, particularly those with elevated rates of violent offenses, narcotics activity, and other quality-of-life concerns.

One of the locations targeted during the operation was the vicinity of Thurmond Street and North Lamar Boulevard. While monitoring this area, officers observed a group of individuals engaged in open-air narcotics transactions within the Thurmond Heights Apartment Complex.
 
Officers were able to identify multiple individuals involved in the illegal activity, as well as the specific apartment unit being used in connection with these offenses.
 
As a result of the operation, the following individuals were taken into custody:
 

Neshea Harper, 30 years of age

• Possession of a Controlled Substance; Penalty Group 1 Crack Cocaine F2
• Request to Apprehend – Obstructing Highway Passage; Class B Misdemeanor

Chaz Young, 39 years of age

• Delivery of a Controlled Substance; Penalty Group 1 Crack Cocaine F1
• Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon F2 (Stolen Revolver)
• Evading Detention or Arrest with Prior Conviction; State Jail Felony

Edwin Middleton, 34 years of age

• Possession of a Controlled Substance; Penalty Group 1 Crack Cocaine F3
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm F3

Kevin Abraham, 30 years of age

• Request to Apprehend – Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon F2

Additionally, officers obtained and executed a search warrant for Neshea Harper’s apartment within Thurmond Heights. As a result of the arrests and the search, Officers seized five handguns, approximately 1.5 ounces of Crack Cocaine, and 9 grams of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl.  

Additional charges will be pursued in relation to this investigation.