APD South Metro Tactical Unit Announces Multiple Arrests in Operation “Protect Our Parks”

Case:               26-5005977
 
Date:               Thursday, September 24, 2026
 
Time:                4 p.m.
 
Location:       Free use area of Barton Springs Pool
 
The Austin Police (APD) collected and analyzed crime data from January 1, 2026, through June 9, 2026, in response to an increase in criminal activity, citizen complaints, and calls for service in the free use area near Barton Springs Pool. Reported incidents included aggravated robbery, burglary of a vehicle, narcotics offenses, and calls involving suspicious persons.

From August through September 2026, APD’s South Metro Tactical Unit conducted coordinated operations in the Zilker Park area to identify individuals suspected of criminal activity involving narcotics, firearms, and thefts. As a result of the investigation, multiple suspects were identified and arrest warrants were obtained.

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, members of APD’s South Metro Tactical Unit, Narcotics K9 Unit, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Unit, and Patrol Division executed arrest warrants for the identified suspects. Officers also filed additional charges based on criminal activity observed during the operation.

The following individuals were arrested:

Andre Bailey, 32 years of age
Charges:

1. Delivery of a Controlled Substance
2. Delivery of a Controlled Substance
3. Delivery of a Controlled Substance
4. Delivery of a Controlled Substance
5. Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Reginald Williams, 38 years of age
Charges:

1. Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
2. Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
3. Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
4. Delivery of a Controlled Substance
5. Delivery of a Controlled Substance
6. Delivery of a Controlled Substance
7. Possession of Marijuana (Drug Free Zone)

Christopher Cox, 34 years of age
Charges:

1. Delivery of a Controlled Substance
2. Delivery of a Controlled Substance
3. Possession of Marijuana (Drug Free Zone)

Mark Vara, 33 years of age
Charges:

1. Delivery of a Controlled Substance

The following items were seized during the operation:

1. Six firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition
2. Adjustable Propane Blow Torch Gun
3. Approximately 9 pounds of Marijuana
4. Approximately 51 Grams of Cocaine
5. Approximately 20 Grams of Xanax
6. Approximately 13 Grams of Methamphetamines
7. Approximately 55 Grams Psylocibin
8. Approximately 2 Grams LSD

Anyone with any information may submit a tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.