Police: Unsolved String Of Rock Throwing Incidents Not Being Launched From Overpass After All

AUSTIN, TX -- A series of rock-throwing incidents along Interstate 35 that have led to some injuries since they began nearly two years ago have not been launched from the overpass as police have believed all along.

In a Jan. 9 press advisory, Austin Police Department officials said an interdepartmental meeting of agencies has led to a new theory: The launched rocks are likely being thrown from another vehicle, not the upper deck of the highway as has long been thought.

“This morning, the Austin Police Department, City of Austin Transportation Department and Texas Department of Transportation all met to discuss the ongoing rock-throwing incidents and traffic management measures,” police said in a prepared statement.

“Originally, the Austin Police Department thought rocks were being thrown from overpasses. Through investigations, APD determined this was not the case. We believe they are being thrown from other vehicles.”

Police have been baffled by the unsolved crimes since the first rock-throwing incident was reported in June 2014. Since then, there have been more than 50 such incidents resulting in varying degrees of damage -- from the serious head injury resulting from the first case in the worst scenario to mere windshield damage at the most benign.

All along, police have said the projectiles were originating from the upper deck of the interstate, each incident occurring along the artery.

At a recent press conference, APD Chief Art Acevedo grew visibly frustrated at suggestions the force wasn’t working hard enough to solve the case given the frequency of attacks. At that press conference, Acevedo also vowed to no longer share details of the investigation for fear such information would tip off what was believed to be a rock-wielding assailant perched along the highway at various points of the nocturnal attacks.

When a television station learned of the use of a surveillance camera network in trying to solve the crime, for example, Acevedo said the end result was to alert the assailant focusing on another part of the interstate -- as was evidenced when new attacks moved south.

That position of less detail sharing was reiterated in Tuesday’s statement: “Please remember we are not able to share the specific details of those investigations without jeopardizing the cases.”

With the newfound clues, APD is taking a different approach toward identifying whoever might be responsible, according to the statement.

“Throughout the investigations, APD has worked with various agencies, leading up to this morning’s face-to-face meeting,” the advisory reads. “The agencies brainstormed ideas to move forward, including possible preventative measures as well as technology, signage and infrastructure recommendations.”

There have been 54 confirmed cases of rock-throwing incidents to date.

Police urged anyone with information to come forward, noting the existence of a $10,000 reward from the Greater Austin Crime Commission for tips that might lead to an apprehension.

Motorists who may be targeted in the future should call 911 immediately, with detailed information related to the time of the incident and the exact location, police said.

“Knowing the time and location of the rock throwing is very critical to our investigators,” police said. “Do not wait until the next morning or later in the day.”

Police assured the public of their ongoing focus to solve the crime: “Again, APD is taking this matter very seriously, and dedicating as many resources as possible.”