The Cedar Park Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit (MCU) arrested multiple juveniles connected to a string of violent “smash-and-grab” burglaries targeting vape and liquor stores across Central Texas, including a location in Cedar Park. The investigation remains ongoing.

On Oct. 29, officers executed search warrants at the Booker T. Washington Apartment Complex in Austin, resulting in multiple arrests. After a month-long investigation that involved the Austin ISD Police Department and the Central Texas Regional SWAT team, the juveniles were arrested for a series of burglaries, firearm thefts and armed vehicle thefts across Cedar Park, Austin, Pflugerville and Williamson County. 

“These are not petty offenders, these are armed, organized, and dangerous juveniles who have repeatedly shown a willingness to use violence,” Major Crimes Section Lieutenant Justin Miller said. “The exceptional work of our Major Crimes Unit prevented further harm to our community and beyond.”

Five juveniles and one adult have been charged in connection with the burglaries. The adult, Isiah Escobar, faces a state jail felony for possession of stolen property. For Trey Fawley, manager of a nearby vape shop, Drip N Rip Vapes, affected by the thefts, the arrests are a relief. He said he was surprised by how long the investigation took.

“The cops were telling me that they knew who it was already,” Fawley said. “I wanted it to be figured out or solved immediately. It was a little frustrating for me. Like, so you know who it is, but you’re just gonna let them do it again tomorrow? But it was because they knew they were armed, so the cops were just doing their job in the safest way that they can.” 

Following the break-ins, the store invested in new, preventative security and changed store closing procedures. They’ve implemented cement pillars and bars across the windows at the front of the story now, which should slow any intruder down enough for the cops to make it in time, according to Fawley. 

“People are out to get anything,” Fawley said. “Honestly, preventative maintenance like this is now necessary. It sucks that you do have to spend money to stop people from doing something they shouldn’t be doing in the first place.” 

On the night of the break-in, Fawley received a call at 4 a.m. from his district manager, informing him of what happened. The store continued to sell product while the store was damaged with broken glass in the front, not losing any hours from the intrusion. 

“Thankfully, we have 11 locations and our business is going really strong, but this is easily enough to ruin or destroy a small family business,” Fawley said. “Just in the repairs of not even counting the amount of product that was stolen. Financially, we’re doing okay, but this is enough to ruin a small family business.”