Arrest Made After Fatal Altercation Between 2 Men

AUSTIN, TX — A man was arrested after police said he was caught on surveillance camera attacking another man who later died of his injuries.

The incident occurred on Monday, Aprl 16, at 2:05 a.m. along the 500 block of East 7th Street, according to a police news release. Two men were seen involved in an altercation as seen on strategically placed police High Activity Location Observation (HALO) surveillance cameras used to detect criminal activity.

Police said on one of the men, later identified as 31-year-old Robert Jake Fitgerald, chased after Brian Hoff, 50, according to law enforcement officials. Fitzgerald is said to have struck Hoff, who was knocked unconcious on the pavement before the former walked away without offering medical aid.

Robert Jake Fitgerald, 31, was arrested in connection to the death of 50-year-old Brian Hoff.

Police said bystanders pulled Hoff from the street to avoid him being further injured by traffic. Despite thier efforts, Hoff died of his injuries on Saturday, April 18, at 5:15 p.m., police said. Two days later, the medical examiner ruled the cause of death as blunt head trauma and the manner of death homicide. However, detectives are now consulting with the Travis County District Attorney's Office about downgrading the charge to manslaughter, according to the police advisory.

Detectives ask anyone with cell phon video or information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at (512) 974-TIPS or use the new Crime Stoppers App or email APD Homicide at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. Those submitting tips have the option of remaining anonymous, police noted. Tips also can be submitted by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android.