Richard Vallejo : “Tesla video aids APD in arrest of road rage suspect”

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin authorities have credited video footage captured by a Tesla vehicle for the swift apprehension of a man who brandished a firearm during a road rage incident in downtown Austin earlier this month. The utilization of cutting-edge technology is proving to be a game-changer in law enforcement efforts.

“Videos don’t lie. People do,” stated Austin Police Department Cpl. Jose Mendez, highlighting the importance of video evidence in criminal investigations.

Cpl. Mendez emphasized the significance of video devices in aiding investigations, stating, “They are extremely crucial in assisting our investigators.”

According to Cpl. Mendez, dash camera video footage is particularly valuable in documenting interactions between drivers on the roads, providing irrefutable evidence of events that transpire.

“It’s hard to contest something that’s been recorded on camera,” Cpl. Mendez added, underscoring the impact of video technology in law enforcement.

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Road rage on the rise in CTX

As the population increases in Central Texas, incidents of road rage are on the rise, according to AAA. Statewide, there were over 1,600 crashes caused by road rage in 2022.

The incident in question occurred on June 2 and was captured on camera. Court documents revealed that a Tesla driver, working for Lyft, had picked up two passengers from a bar on South Congress. The driver recounted driving towards the Rainey Street District when he encountered a group of approximately eight cars driving recklessly on the road.

As the Tesla driver traversed the Congress bridge, a Chevy pickup truck began driving alongside his vehicle, matching its speed. Video footage from the Tesla depicted the passenger of the pickup waving a gun multiple times as they reached Cesar Chavez Street. The Tesla driver expressed feeling immediate danger in the face of this threatening behaviour.

“Many road rage incidents are escalating to aggravated assaults, where individuals resort to pointing firearms or even shooting based on driving behaviour,” noted Cpl. Mendez, shedding light on the severity of such altercations.

The Tesla driver narrated how other cars in the group subsequently blocked his path and hurled abuse at him. The driver of the pickup truck then exited his vehicle, threw a cup of soda at the Tesla, and began rummaging through his truck bed toolbox. The Tesla driver suspected the individual was searching for a weapon, prompting him to drive over plastic bollards to escape. Subsequently, the driver sought the assistance of an APD officer who reviewed the video footage captured by the Tesla.

“By swiftly analyzing and disseminating video evidence, we are able to apprehend individuals responsible for acts of violence,” explained Cpl. Mendez, emphasizing the role of technology in enhancing law enforcement capabilities.

Within a span of 20 minutes, police successfully tracked down the truck and discovered a firearm in the truck bed. However, the situation escalated as uncooperative bystanders surrounded the officers and disregarded commands to maintain distance during the investigation. Court documents revealed that three individuals – 42-year-old Shaun Johnson, 38-year-old Jasmine Cavalier, and 34-year-old Tyquise Rogers – were arrested for interfering with public duties.

The individual seen brandishing a gun in the video footage was identified as 21-year-old Richard Vallejo. Vallejo is facing a second-degree felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

This is not Vallejo’s first brush with the law, as he was previously charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2022, although the case was ultimately dismissed. Vallejo is scheduled for a hearing on July 3 in relation to the recent charge.

In light of the escalating incidents of road rage, authorities advise individuals to disengage from confrontations, avoid eye contact, and promptly contact emergency services if faced with aggressive behaviour on the road.