AUSTIN—A 36-year-old man involved in a chase that ended in a SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) standoff with Austin police Sunday is from Rockdale.
Nathan Cruz Barrera was jailed on charges of failure to stop and render aid, evading arrest in a vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm and on previous arrest warrants.
According to an affidavit filed by police, an officer witnessed a collision at the major South Austin intersection of Congress and Ben White and noted a pickup truck involved did not stop.
The affidavit stated that the officer gave chase but the truck did not stop. Eventually the pickup stopped at the corner of Congress and Sheraton Avenue and the driver rolled down the window to speak with police, but did not comply with their commands.
According to the affidavit the driver allegedly told police he was not going to leave the vehicle and made what police termed “furtive” movements under the seat, near the center console and would not keep his hands in sight.
Police, fearing the presence of a gun, withdrew and a SWAT team was deployed with two armored vehicles.
According to documents filed in court, officers first used a device to break open the truck’s back window and fill the vehicle with irritants, then deployed a robotic device to create a larger hole in the window.
After two hours the driver surrendered. Police said a loaded pistol was found in the pickup. Barrera had a 2013 burglary conviction.
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