UT-Austin Police Seek Suspect In Knife Attack Near Campus

AUSTIN, TX — University of Texas at Austin campus police were searching for a suspect Monday afternoon in an assault involving a machete-like knife.

The incident occurred at 23rd and San Antonio streets at around 4:30 p.m., and police were at the scene searching for a suspect described as being around 20 years old with blonde hair. Just before 5:30 p.m., police said the suspect was no longer believed to be in the area and gave nearby residents the all-clear.

Patch was at the scene and observed police officers speaking to a group of young people gathered in the back of the Congregational Church of Austin United Church of Christ, 408 W 23rd St., right at the intersection where the attack occurred. But after several minutes, the officers left the scene after a few minutes with no suspect in tow.

The victim reportedly sustained minor injuries not deemed life-threatening, but police did not officially confirm the accounts. Patch will update when more details are known.

Police appeared to have been questioning a group of young people as they looked for a man accused of going on an attack with what was described as a machete-like knife. Tony Cantú/Patch staff.

An attack with a machete-like knife occurred Monday afternoon at the corner of 23rd and San Antonio streets where the Congregational Church of Austin United Church of Christ church is located. Tony Cantú/Patch staff.

As police searched for the suspect, they urged anyone seeing the man or suspicious activity to call 9-1-1. As they investigate, police urged people to avoid the area.