City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date:
Contact: Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
The Austin Police Department (APD) Aggravated Assault Unit has identified 41-year-old Louis Rhyne, pictured below, as the suspect in the December 24, 2020 attack on an APD officer. Investigators have a signed arrest warrant for Rhyne who is facing charges for aggravated assault on a police officer. His bond is set at $1,000,000. This charge is in addition to the three outstanding felony warrants for motions to revoke personal recognizance bonds for burglary of vehicle with two or more prior convictions, theft of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
In addition to the Capital Area Crime Stoppers reward of up to $1,000, the following organizations are offering money for information leading to the arrest of Louis Rhyne who also goes by the nickname Taz:
- Austin Cops for Charities, $3,000
- Austin Police Association, $2,000
- Greater Austin Crime Commission, $5,000
Persons who provide information leading to Rhyne’s arrest can remain anonymous and are eligible for the full $11,000.
Louis Rhyne is considered extremely dangerous and should not be approached. If spotted, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Individuals with information about Rhyne’s whereabouts are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS, submit a tip on the Crime Stoppers website or use the Crime Stoppers app.
You can also submit tips anonymously through APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, which can be downloaded for free on iPhone and Android.
Louis Rhyne
ORIGINAL RELEASE
The Austin Police Department is investigating an aggravated assault on a police officer case where an officer was shot at while responding to a call for service. On December 24, 2020 at approximately 12:06 a.m., an officer responded to an alarm call near Travis Green Lane and Hero Drive in southwest Austin.
Once on scene, the officer observed a vehicle drive by a nearby residence, while he was in his patrol car. The officer noticed the vehicle had duct tape obstructing the license plate. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect drove away at a high rate of speed evading police, and fired several shots at the officer. During the short pursuit, the suspect began to drive on the wrong side of the roadway, and at that time officers terminated pursuit of the vehicle.
The suspect’s vehicle was located a short time later crashed and abandoned at a nearby apartment complex parking lot. A perimeter was set up and a search ensued. The suspect was not located at that time and no suspect information is currently available. There were no injuries involved in this incident.