APD arrests 2 burglary suspects linked to additional crime

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department said two arrests were made related to a Dec. 4 burglary call that occurred in east Austin.

According to police, a woman was inside her apartment when multiple suspects unlawfully entered the unit. The witness said she hid in a closet and called her boyfriend to help.

Austin police said the witness’ boyfriend chased the four burglars away but was shot at in the process; however, he was not injured. Police were able to find an expended 9MM shell casing at the scene. 

According to police, 19-year-old Orlen Guillen and 20-year-old Nefi Amed Gomez-Lopez were arrested in connection with the burglary. At the time of APD’s statement, detectives said there were still two suspects not in police custody related to the incident.

APD said detectives connected Guillen to the incident using surveillance video from the parking lot where the suspects parked committing the burglary.

Guillen was found a day later and was taken into custody, according to police. The vehicle was also seized as evidence and a search warrant is pending.

Gomez-Lopez was found in the parking lot of the apartment complex still dressed in similar clothing worn during the shooting, according to APD.

Police said Gomez-Lopez was arrested, but detectives believe he tossed a stolen 9MM pistol from his backpack during his arrest.

The shell casing found at the scene of the burglary was also connected with a Nov. 8 aggravated assault with shots fired concerning a separate residential burglary. A National Integrated Ballistic Information Network analysis confirmed the stolen 9MM pistol was used during each of these offenses, according to APD.

APD said anyone with information should contact the APD Residential Burglary Unit at (512) 974-4941 or via email at APDBurglaryUnit@austintexas.gov.