Fireworks Thrown Inside Downtown Austin Gay Bar Raise Alarms

AUSTIN, TX — Police are investigating incidents related to fireworks being thrown inside various downtown businesses early Thursday — including a popular gay club in the midst of a week-long celebration of lifestyle self-affirmation culminating in a massive Sunday parade.

In a press advisory, the Austin Police Department confirmed they are investigating "a couple of incidents" during which someone threw fireworks in various downtown locations. No injuries were reported, police said.

One incident centered on a popular downtown gay club, giving rise that the establishment was targeted in the midst of ATX Pride 2018, a gay affirmation observance running through Sunday. This marks the second time in as many months that the gay club has been targeted with thrown fireworks, but police have yet to determine if any location was specifically targeted.

Police detailed the two reported incidents:

• APD was called out to Iron Bear, 21 W 8th St., just after 1 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9, police said. The complainant told police a firecracker was thrown onto the patio. Investigators are currently looking into this incident, and police said they would provide updates as they become available.
• Some 30 to 40 minutes later, another firework was thrown on the south side of The Driskill, at the corner of 6th and Brazos streets, police said. An APD sergeant who happened to be in the area heard a firework and saw the resulting smoke, but did not see a suspect in the area. He called out to other nearby officers who also were unable to spot whoever might have been responsible.

This is the second time someone has thrown fireworks inside the Iron Bear establishment. On June 28, just before 2 a.m., an unknown suspect drove by and threw a loud firework onto the patio, police confirmed. No injuries were reported, and no vehicle description was given. The complainant told police no audio or video of the incident was available.

On the Iron Bear website, the bar is described as a "lively LGBT-friendly hangout offering DJ parties, pool, karaoke & daily happy hour." It targeted clientele: "We welcome all Bears, Cubs, Otters, Wolfs, Leather, Fetish and all their admirers!" the website reads.

In their press advisory, APD reminds residents that popping fireworks is illegal within city limits. Anyone witnessing violations are urged to call 9-1-1, police said.

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