Austin police still searching for suspects after 83 rock-throwing incidents on I-35 last 2 years

The Austin Police Department released these photos from several rock-throwing incidents in June 2014. The Austin Police Department released these photos from several rock-throwing incidents in June 2014. Photo: Courtesy/Austin Police Department Photo: Courtesy/Austin Police Department Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close Austin police still searching for suspects after 83 rock-throwing incidents on I-35 last 2 years 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

The latest and largest string of rocks being hurled onto cars driving on Interstate 35 in Austin brings the total number of incidents in the last 2 years to 83, police said Wednesday.

Last week, at least five people were injured, including one person who got glass in their eye, in the string of 13 incidents, which took place Friday through Sunday along a nearly 10-mile span of Interstate 35 in Central Austin between 9 p.m. and 8:30 a.m., according to Austin Police Department Assistant Chief Chris McIlvain.

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However, police decided against releasing more details about the crimes in order to “protect the integrity” of the investigation, which has been ongoing since June 2014.

Previous incidents have included softball-sized rocks launched onto the lower deck of I-35 just minutes apart from each other late at night. In at least one incident in 2014, a person was severely injured after a rock hit a vehicle and caused it to crash.

Authorities have not made any arrests or identified any suspects and a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in connection to the incidents.

RELATED: Austin police: 13 rock-throwing incidents on Interstate 35

McIlvain on Wednesday would not confirm whether witnesses saw people actually throwing rocks, but he did say evidence has allowed police to positively determine how the rocks are being deployed.

McIlvain provided several tips for motorists who travel in the area, particularly Memorial Day Weekend travelers who are expected to jam-pack Texas highways.

Drivers may wish to drive on the upper deck of I-35 in order to prevent being struck by the rocks and drivers who travel on the lower deck may wish to move through the outside lanes instead of the inside lanes, McIlvain said.

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If someone’s vehicle is struck by a rock, McIlvain said to stop safely and call 9-1-1 immediately. It’s imperative, he said, so that investigators can potentially track down those responsible.

He also said the department is in discussions with the Texas Department of Transportation to possibly add signage to warn drivers, particularly non-Austin residents, of falling rocks coming from the upper deck.

McIlvain also said APD is not ruling out closing down the lower deck entirely until the alleged culprits are caught, but plans for both options have not been set in stone.

“We’re not ruling everything out,” McIlvain said.

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