South Austin’s Dangerous Roads: A Pattern of Violence Targeting Drivers
In just under a year, South Austin has been the scene of two alarming incidents in which drivers on busy roadways found themselves under threat from individuals behaving erratically near overpasses and bridges — and a growing body of evidence suggests Austin’s homelessness and mental health crisis may be a common thread.
The Ben White Rock Attack — May 7, 2026
On Thursday afternoon, a suspect was taken into custody after throwing rocks, bricks, and large objects from an overpass onto Ben White Boulevard at South 1st Street, striking and damaging four vehicles traveling below at highway speeds.
Austin Police responded to a traffic hazard call at 12:42 p.m. and found multiple victims. The suspect then barricaded himself in an elevated position between the service road and the main lanes, triggering a full SWAT callout complete with hostage negotiators, K-9 units, Travis County constables, and EMS. He was eventually taken into custody and now faces four counts of deadly conduct. APD noted the area beneath the overpass bore signs of a homeless encampment, though officers said it was unclear whether the suspect had been living there.
UPDATE:
The William Cannon Wheelchair Shooting — May 17, 2025
Almost exactly a year earlier, 45-year-old Danny Palomino was in a wheelchair on the bridge at West William Cannon Drive near Menchaca Road, blocking traffic and brandishing what multiple 911 callers described as a black pistol.
“The guy got the gun sitting in his lap. He was waving it around just a minute ago,” one caller told dispatchers. When APD arrived, Palomino pointed the weapon at Officer Joshua Jackson, who fired six shots.
Palomino was transported to a south Austin hospital where he was pronounced dead. The weapon later turned out to be a Glock replica BB gun — indistinguishable from a real firearm at a distance.
In March 2026, a Travis County special grand jury declined to indict Officer Jackson.
A Broader Pattern
These two incidents are not isolated. In June 2023, an Austin driver named Gaurav Goel was stopped at a red light on the Mopac southbound access road at Southwest Parkway when a homeless man pulled large rocks from a backpack and hurled them at his car, causing $7,000–$8,000 in damage. “It’s terrifying,” Goel told Fox 7 Austin. “You don’t expect this at 10:30 in the morning.”
Man goes on a trash can vandalism rampage at 415 Colorado Street, pulls electrical appliance out of ground and throws it at oncoming traffic.
— Austin Videos (@ATXVideos) August 17, 2025
Also shown in video is the woman who threw a water bottle at my head on the 803 bus and caught an assault charge back on June 27th. pic.twitter.com/0C7z6Op2uc
Similar incidents have been reported in Houston, where a metal bar-wielding man attacked at least six vehicles stopped at a Midtown traffic light in 2024.
The Encampment Question
What connects many of these cases is proximity to homeless encampments under or near highway infrastructure — and the suspicion that untreated mental illness is a factor.
Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office is now moving to address exactly that.
The city is preparing to launch six dedicated Homeless Encampment Management (HEM) teams operating Monday through Friday, covering North, Central, and South Austin, as well as transportation corridors — precisely the kind of infrastructure where these incidents have occurred. The city currently receives over 700 monthly 311 calls related to encampments, far outpacing its response capacity.
Critics argue the sweeps, while necessary, don’t address root causes.
“At the end of the day, it’s always a math problem. If you don’t have enough beds for the people on the streets, it doesn’t matter how many times you go sweep.” Austin’s shelter system is currently short by hundreds of beds. — Ryan Alter, Austin City Council
The question Austinites are left asking is a difficult one: are incidents like the Ben White rock attack and the Palomino confrontation tragic symptoms of a system that has failed its most vulnerable residents — and the drivers who share the road with them?
Sources: APD, CBS Austin, KXAN, Fox 7 Austin, KUT, Austin Chronicle, Texas Tribune
Austin City Council Recap — May 7
Austin’s City Council convened Thursday for a full agenda touching economic strategy, neighborhood housing, public art, flood resilience, and historic preservation. Here’s what happened—and what it means for the city.
A New Economic Development Framework
The headline action of the day was approval of a wide-ranging resolution establishing a new economic development framework for Austin. Sponsored by Mayor Kirk Watson along with Mayor Pro Tem José “Chito” Vela, Council Member Ryan Alter, and Council Member Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, the measure directs the creation of a comprehensive economic development policy, formalizes the position of Director for Austin Economic Development, and sets in motion steps to improve how major economic development projects are managed.
Watson has framed the effort as a response to increasing competition from other cities for corporate investment. With past incentive deals—including agreements with Apple and Samsung—generating billions in local investment and thousands of jobs, the administration wants to build on that track record with a more intentional, values-driven approach. The resolution drew significant public comment, with some residents raising concerns about the inclusion of AI and defense technology as target sectors in earlier drafts—references that were ultimately removed before final approval.
There was some opposition:
Status: Approved — Item 24
Housing Affordability and the HOME Initiative
Council approved a significant land development code update allowing two-unit and three-unit residential uses in all zoning districts where single-family and multifamily housing are currently permitted. Consistent with Austin’s HOME Phases 1 and 2 regulations, the measure also directs the City Manager to improve the feasibility of small-scale residential development and report back to Council—continuing the city’s push to expand housing supply and ease affordability pressures through gentle density citywide.
Separately, Council initiated a neighborhood plan amendment for properties at 1705 and 1717 South Lakeshore Boulevard and 1712 East Riverside Drive, potentially shifting their future land use designation toward Mixed-Use. A related PUD rezoning request for the same South Shore site was postponed to May 28 at staff’s request.
Status: Approved — Item 26 | South Shore PUD postponed to May 28 — Item 37
Support for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Council approved a resolution directing the City Manager to prioritize housing stability, legislative advocacy, and local partnerships for young people transitioning out of the foster care system. The City Manager is required to report back with a progress update by July 17, 2026.
Status: Approved — Item 25
Public Art and Infrastructure
Two public art contracts moved forward. Ion Art was authorized to create artwork for the Ross Road Substandard Streets Art in Public Places project for up to $330,000, and artist William Tavis received a contract amendment adding $90,850 for the Armadillo Water Tank Art in Public Places Project, bringing his total to $223,850.
On the infrastructure side, Council approved a $6.07 million contract with Phoenix I Restoration and Construction for renovations to the Zilker Clubhouse at Zilker Metro Park.
Status: Approved — Items 2, 3, 15
Flood Preparedness and Watershed Protection
Council approved a multi-year contract worth up to $2.2 million with Vieux & Associates for a new Flood Early Forecasting, Mapping, and Modeling System—strengthening the city’s ability to predict and respond to flooding events. A separate $3.3 million construction contract was authorized for the Williamson Creek–Brassiewood Drive Phase 2 outfall project, improving stormwater drainage capacity on the south side.
Two eminent domain proceedings were also authorized: one for a waterline easement near Loop 360 tied to TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express project, and another for a temporary easement along Williamson Creek Tributary 4 for channel stabilization work.
Status: Approved — Items 13, 12, 27, 28
Historic Landmark Designations
Two properties received full historic landmark status on all three readings. The Mayer-Howse House at 810 West 10th Street and the Dr. O.H. and Mrs. Thelma Elliott House at 2207 East 22nd Street are now officially protected landmarks—both supported by the Historic Landmark Commission, the Planning Commission, and their respective property owners.
Status: Approved on all three readings — Items 33, 34
Utility Franchises and City Services
Council approved the first reading of a non-exclusive franchise for Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, with anticipated annual franchise revenue of roughly $196,400. A franchise renewal with Texas Gas Service passed on first reading only, covering a 10-year term and expected to generate approximately $10.8 million annually.
The Austin Housing Finance Corporation also approved up to $33 million in private activity bond financing for rehabilitation of the Elm Ridge Apartments, an affordable multifamily development at 1190 Airport Boulevard.
Status: Approved — Items 8, 9, AHFC002
Items Postponed or Withdrawn
A proposed ordinance updating special events rules at certain parks was postponed to July 23. The AISD-backed rezoning at West 49th Street and Rosedale Avenue was pushed to May 21 at the neighborhood’s request.
Items were withdrawn entirely: a general obligation bond defeasance resolution (Item 7) and a resolution that would have paused departmental reorganizations tied to the city’s One ATS technology initiative pending further Council review (Item 41).
City Council is split over how — and when — to ask voters to approve a bond proposal that could be as large as $750 million, a move that could raise property taxes less than a year after Proposition Q failed.
Source: Austin City Council Regular Meeting Agenda and Minutes, May 7, 2026 — Austin City Hall
Three people were found dead from gunshot wounds inside a Pflugerville home Thursday morning, according to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said they were called just before 8:30 a.m. for a welfare check at a house on Civorno Drive, near the intersection of Weiss Lane and Jesse Bohls Drive. (KXAN-TV)
Austin police are asking for the public’s help in locating Maria Telma Cocinero Morales. She was last seen on Sunday evening at 10:30 p.m., leaving her workplace in the Domain area. A witness reported seeing Ms. Cocinero Morales get into a red pickup truck with a black cover.
APD is also looking for help regarding a pedsestrian hit-and-run that occurred on Monday, February 16 at 8:10 a.m., in the 1600 block of Linscomb Avenue. A man and his cat were struck by a vehicle.
Austin American-Statesman reporter Bridget Grumet is examining the city’s refusal to pay for property damage caused by Austin police.
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Investigators report that while the shooter in the March 1 incident on West 6th Street was motivated by U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran, the attack appears to be a “lone wolf” incident with no direct ties to foreign terrorist organizations. (Austin American-Statesman)
“There is no evidence of outside direction or radicalization; rather, the investigation indicates an escalation in violent behavior in part tied to specific personal triggers and grievances related to U.S. and Israeli military actions involving Iran, culminating in a violent, impulsive attack. The investigation revealed that Diagne admired the recently deceased Iranian leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. At the time of the attack Diagne was wearing clothes that included an Iranian flag design t-shirt and a sweatshirt that read: “Property of Allah”. While Diagne’s affinity for Iran and the Ayatollah were most certainly factors in his mobilization to violence, the FBI has not identified conclusive evidence to explain Diagne’s motivation or how and why he selected the location for his attack.”
“The FBI has been resolute in doing everything possible to find answers for the families who lost loved ones and for all those affected by the March 1 shooting. The investigation remains ongoing, and the FBI will continue its efforts on behalf of the victims and their loved ones. The FBI will continue pursuing every lead to better understand what led up to the shooting in hopes of identifying any potential indicators that could help prevent future acts of violence.” — FBI
A federal indictment filed Tuesday reveals the the wife of Ndiaga Diagne, the man Austin Police Department identified as the March 1 shooter near Bufords Bar on West 6th Street, is being accused of lying on immigration applications.
Some Austin ISD classes may be fuller next school year as district leadership works to slash a $181 million dollar deficit.
Austin ISD is under investigation for the third time this year by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, this time over compliance with a state law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. (KUT 90.5)
Meanwhile, Northeast Early College High School students gathered near the campus on Thursday after school to advocate for their classmate, 18-year-old Luis Fernando Cabrera Chavarria, to be released from ICE custody.
Travis County has its first reported case of measles of 2026.
The proposed MoPac South expansion project continues to spark debate in Austin as community members raise concerns about possible environmental impacts tied to the plan.
WEATHER
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AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL AIPORT
CAMP MABRY
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
A new report from “The Groundwork Collaborative” examines how heat is impacting American workers.
The Texas Department of State Health Services has struck a deal with youth camps over a requirement that they install a fiber‑optic internet connection to operate this summer.
Texas Public Opinion Research (TPOR) has released its latest findings from their April General Election poll, diving into one of the most elusive and consequential voting blocs in the Lone Star State: voters who self-identify as independents and moderates.
How does this slice of the electorate feel about the critical challenges facing their communities and which candidates are they aligning with as November draws closer?
The survey of 1,865 likely general election voters was conducted from April 17 to April 20, 2026, and has a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points.
Smokeable hemp products, such as flower buds and rolled joints, are allowed back on shelves until the state’s appeal of a statewide ban on the sale of the drug is heard in court next Thursday.
The state’s 15th Court of Appeals granted a request by lawyers for the hemp industry to reinstate a temporary pause on the smokeable hemp ban until the appeal hearing, currently scheduled for May 17.
Two Texas residents were passengers aboard the MV Hondius, a Dutch cruise ship currently experiencing a deadly outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus in the Atlantic Ocean.
Thousands of Longhorns will walk the stage this weekend as the University of Texas at Austin hosts its commencement ceremonies.
Today’s “funeral” protest at Texas Tech – mourning the demise of that institution’s academic reputation at the hands of Chancellor Brandon Creighton – is only the latest chapter in the continuing story of the dismantling of Texas’ statewide reputation for our public universities. This election year gives us a chance to begin to undo the damage, but it could take a generation to repair.
Bexar County authorities are searching for a 31-year-old man wanted for the sexual assault of a child.
The 2026 PBR World Finals are being held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth this weekend.
SPORTS
COLLEGE BASEBALL: It’s a weekend SEC showdown in Knoxville as the Texas Longhorns face the Tennessee Volunteers.
MLB: The Texas Rangers have started off May with a 2-4 record.
Flaky fielding and free baserunners cost the Rangers yesterday.
Trent Grisham hit a go-ahead, three-run double in a six-run sixth inning, and the New York Yankees beat the Texas 9-2 Thursday for their 16th win in 19 games on an afternoon the Rangers misplayed four balls in a difficult sun. (Associated Press)
The Houston Astros had Thursday off. They’re in Cincinnati this weekend while the Rangers host the Chicago Cubs.
ON THE SCHEDULE
NBA PLAYOFFS: After a dominate Game 2 win at home Wednesday night, the San Antonio Spurs are in Minnesota tonight to face the Timberwolves in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals. The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1.
There are places you stop because you’re hungry. And then there are places you stop because something pulls you in off the highway and doesn’t let go. River Harvest in Sonora is the second kind.
The latest episode of The Daytripper.
