North Austin Murder Suspect Arrested After Crashing Into Hotel

AUSTIN, TX — The suspect in a fatal shooting in North Austin earlier this week was arrested on Wednesday after crashing a vehicle into a hotel while on the run, police said.

In a press advisory, police said they received a 9-1-1 call alerting to a van having crashed into the Red Roof Inn at 8210 North Interstate 35 before the driver was seen running into the hotel. Upon their arrival, officers learned the vehicle had been stolen from the 1000 block of W. Rundberg Lane approximately 10 minutes before.

Police had responded to an emergency call related to an attempted auto theft in the 8300 block of North I-35 at the Woodland Heights Apartments just before noon, police said. A neighbor reported a man, matching the description of the individual from the hotel, attempting to steal his friend's vehicle in the parking lot, police added.

The neighbor alerted the vehicle owner and both men ran after the vehicle which had not yet left the parking lot. The men caught up to the suspect in an attempt to hold him for police. A fight ensued, but the men were able to maintain their hold before officers arrived a short time later to take the suspect into custody.

Police quickly determined the man in their custody was murder suspect Emilio Ortiz, 26, who had been sought in connection to the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Matthew Jarrett Lee just before 1 a.m. on Monday at an apartment complex on 9010 Galewood Dr.

Previous coverage:

• Police Seek Suspect In Fatal North Austin Shooting
• Police ID Suspect, Victim In Fatal North Austin Shooting
  

After receiving medical treatment for injuries suffered during the scuffle with the residents, police said, Ortiz was booked into jail on a first-degree murder charge with bail set at $500,000. Additional charges may be added pending consultation with the District Attorney's Office, police added.

Police continue to seek a second suspect, described as a woman believed to be around 25 years of age, in connection to the murder earlier this week.

As police continue to investigate, those with information or video of the fatal shooting are urged to call Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS or use the new Crime Stoppers App or email APD Homicide at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. Those submitting information have the option of remaining anonymous, police stressed. Tips also can be submitted by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android.