Austin, Texas – Authorities in Austin are investigating a surge in overdoses that occurred in downtown Austin, leading to multiple deaths and a significant number of suspected overdose incidents. The Austin Police Department and Austin-Travis County EMS are actively pursuing leads in connection to this concerning trend.
Responding to suspected overdose calls on April 29, officials found themselves consistently addressing similar incidents within close proximity to each other throughout the day. The presence of two persons of interest in the series of overdoses has raised suspicions, prompting the Austin Police Department to take them into custody for further questioning.
One of the individuals, identified as Johnny Lee Wright, 55, faces charges related to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Authorities have indicated that Wright has a history of felony convictions, with a recent charge relating to firearm possession bringing him to law enforcement’s attention.
The use of High Activity Location Observation (H.A.L.O.) cameras by the APD Real Time Crime Center played a crucial role in identifying the suspicious activities of the persons of interest. The cameras captured transactions between the individuals and potentially harmful substances, leading investigators to believe that the pair may have been responsible for distributing narcotics to those who subsequently overdosed.
Investigations revealed that both Wright and the other individual in question were known to law enforcement as narcotics dealers, with the former having a history of criminal convictions. The unidentified individual was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, shedding light on the illicit activities that may have contributed to the overdose surge.
As authorities continue to delve into the circumstances surrounding the recent overdoses, it is evident that the use of surveillance technology and prompt investigative efforts are crucial in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in drug-related activities. The flow of information and collaboration between law enforcement agencies is vital in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community amidst such challenging situations.