APD searches for 'habitual offender' in series of commercial burglaries

AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, the Austin Police Department requested help finding a suspect in connection with a series of commercial burglaries.

APD said beginning in April, there were several reports of business burglaries along US Highway 183 between Interstate 35 to Farm-to-Market 620.

Police said the reports each had a “distinct modus operandi (MO) and suspect description,” which detectives used to identify 32-year-old Jose Vega-Martinez as the primary suspect. Police also said Vega-Martinez was a habitual offender.

“Initial research on Vega-Martinez revealed he frequents the US Hwy 183 and North Lamar area,” police said in a statement.

APD asked that anyone with information or who knows where Vega-Martinez was, including the identity of any potential accomplices, call Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or visit austincrimestoppers.org. Tipsters have the option to remain anonymous, according to police.

APD said a reward of up to $1,000 could be available for any information that leads to an arrest.