Austin, TX

Police: Man failed to call 911 during suspected fentanyl overdose at east Austin grill

Published

3 years ago

April 15, 2022

Police: Man failed to call 911 during suspected fentanyl overdose at east Austin grill

AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin man is dealing with felony tampering with proof costs after he allegedly didn’t name 911 whereas two individuals contained in the Victory Grill in east Austin overdosed, in line with courtroom paperwork. A type of males died.

Paperwork present the person who died, Eddie Flores, talked to his spouse, Crystal, a little bit earlier than 6 a.m. on March 19. Crystal advised police she may inform Eddie was “very intoxicated” so she drove to Victory Grill to select her husband up, paperwork mentioned.

Lower than half-hour later, Crystal claimed she arrived on the grill and located her husband and one other man locked in an workplace and overdosing, an officer wrote. Crystal referred to as 911 at that time; in the meantime, she advised police two of the employees at Victory Grill started hiding medicine and different paraphernalia. A type of individuals was Rolando Ortiz Jr., in line with paperwork. Victory Grill advised KXAN Thursday that Ortiz is not employed with them.

Police would later discover the paraphernalia the lads had been hiding and the medicine believed to be concerned, which police mentioned had been according to cocaine. Officers additionally famous that given the sufferer’s sudden decline in state, the cocaine was probably laced with fentanyl.

Rolando Ortiz Jr., 41 (Courtesy: Austin Police Division)

Whereas APD advised KXAN no extra info could be launched about this case, APD officers wrote that Ortiz was charged with tampering with proof as a result of he “eliminated proof from the scene of a murder investigation,” although Ortiz shouldn’t be charged with murder presently.

In keeping with APD’s report, Ortiz admitted to observing the 2 males both “in misery or deceased” and as a substitute of calling for or administering assist, he closed and locked the door to the workplace they had been in. He advised police he lied as a result of he doesn’t like police and has a earlier legal historical past, paperwork mentioned.

Ortiz continues to be in custody, in line with Travis County’s inmate record, and is being held on a $30,000 bond alongside a parole violation. Ortiz’ court-appointed lawyer didn’t reply to KXAN’s request for remark.

Ortiz doesn’t seem to have earlier drug costs, in line with a Texas Division of Public Security legal historical past search, however he did plead responsible to aggravated sexual assault of a kid costs in a 2004 case and was launched on parole.

Texas’ Good Samaritan Legislation

In 2021, Texas lawmakers handed, and Gov. Greg Abbott signed, a Good Samaritan Legislation which has been in impact since September. HB 1694 protects some individuals from getting in bother for small quantities of unlawful medicine or having drug paraphernalia ought to they search assist for somebody who’s having a drug overdose.

However as many dependancy restoration advocates testified, some is the important thing phrase — and the individuals protected will not be the suitable some.

Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed an effort by Texas lawmakers to move a Good Samaritan Legislation in 2015. In consequence, Rep. John Raney (R) testified final 12 months that he met with the governor’s employees and crafted laws in 2021 that will fulfill the governor’s worry that the legislation can be utilized by repeat offenders.

That’s a priority some legislation enforcement officers additionally shared as lawmakers mentioned the potential of this safety.

“How far are we prepared to go to waive the burden of legal accountability in change for getting somebody to make that cellphone name that’s going to avoid wasting a life?” Hardin County Sheriff Mark Davis advised KXAN in 2018, as these discussions had been being had. “I believe we actually must make a transparent distinction between an individual who’s an addict and possessing that as a result of they’re hooked on opioids or a substance, versus somebody who’s a vendor and a trafficker.”

As a product of these issues, the ensuing legislation disqualifies many individuals from safety in Texas — most notably, individuals who have been beforehand convicted of a drug offense and individuals who have referred to as for medical help for an overdose within the final 18 months.

“After I was nonetheless lively in my dependancy, I can consider three or 4 instances simply off the highest of my head the place I used to be ready the place I used to be with any individual who was overdosing,” Joseph Gorordo, who’s in long-term restoration and is now the vp of outreach for Restoration Unplugged, mentioned.

After bringing an overdose sufferer to the emergency room and being questioned by police, Gorordo says the following time he was with somebody having an overdose, he didn’t convey that particular person in for medical therapy. That’s is one thing the Good Samaritan Legislation hopes to deal with, however it solely works for individuals who don’t have a historical past.

“The people who find themselves probably to be current for an overdose are additionally the people who find themselves very probably going to have some type of report,” Gorordo mentioned. “That signifies that you’re eliminating a giant chunk of the people who’re going to be the first customers of this.”

Gorordo says this legislation is new, however its loopholes are already on Restoration Unplugged’s record of priorities for the following legislative session.

Fentanyl testing strips are unlawful in Texas — right here’s why

In the identical legislative session that noticed the passing of the Good Samaritan Legislation, lawmakers didn’t decriminalize drug testing strips, although many states across the nation have.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Dallas, tried to push by means of a invoice that aimed to take away legal penalties for the possession of drug paraphernalia. That invoice handed committee on a 6-3 vote however in the end didn’t make it to the chamber.

That’s one thing Travis County Choose Andy Brown has lately been outspoken about, particularly with regards to fentanyl testing strips.

Fentanyl testing strips can be utilized to check medicine, powders and capsules for the presence of fentanyl, which is usually stronger than different medicine and could be deadly. The strips enable individuals to take further steps to guard themselves or to not take the medicine altogether.

However underneath the Texas Managed Substances Act, drug testing tools is classed as drug paraphernalia which makes it unlawful for individuals to recreationally take a look at.

“It’s one thing that from what I’ve heard, particularly from the hurt discount group, that will save lives,” Brown advised KXAN. “We want to look into the potential of making them out there to the general public in the event that they had been allowed by state legislation.”

You possibly can learn extra about KXAN’s reporting on fentanyl testing strips right here.

Naloxone can reverse the results of an overdose

Texas lawmakers have beforehand legalized the acquisition and carry of naloxone, an emergency therapy that reverses the results of opioid overdoses. That laws made the therapy out there in Texas with out a prescription at many pharmacies like H-E-B, CVS and Walgreens.

“Narcan, when it’s not crucial, there’s no threat of opposed unintended effects,” Gorordo mentioned. “So that you don’t need to second guess your self, ‘is that this particular person overdosing or not?’ Which signifies that a variety of people with out coaching can carry Narcan and doubtlessly save a life.”

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Austin, TX

Bread winners: 10 Austin bakeries you'll love

Published

3 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Bread winners: 10 Austin bakeries you'll love

Craving something sweet? Maybe something flaky? Austin may be known for tacos and barbecue, but its bakeries are the unsung heroes of the local food scene. We think it’s time to give them the spotlight they deserve.

Whether you’re looking for pastries by day or celebratory cakes by night, these locally owned bakeries are proof that life is butter with carbs.

Comadre Panadería, 1204 Cedar Ave. | Try something new at this Mexican-American bakery (which is a two-time James Beard semi-finalist) like the highly raved-about concha and pink cake.

La Pâtisserie, multiple locations | A case full of colorful macarons is the main attraction at this French bakery, which also offers pastries, cake, scones, buns, croissants, and wine.

If you’re lucky (like City Editor Morgan was), you may be able to find a frowning gingerbread man at Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery.

Quack’s Bakery, multiple locations | Keeping Austin sweet since 1983, these beloved bakeries make pies, cakes, pastries, and more from scratch with no additives. Be sure to check out seasonal offerings like Pride, Halloween, and Christmas-themed cookies.

Rockman Coffee + Bakeshop, 2400 E. Cesar Chavez St., Ste. #200 | Owned by award-winning pastry chef Amanda Rockman, this newly opened bakeshop is all about caffeine, gluten, butter, sugar, and booze. Grab a rip ‘n’ dip bagel, strawberry cheesecake croissant, or focaccia sandwich.

Sour Duck Market, 1814 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | The neighborhood bakery within this American restaurant + beer garden is not to be missed. Snag a traditional bite like a savory Danish pastry or a creative concoction like the sweet potato-chai bearclaw.

Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop, 1905 S. 1st St. | Desserts are king at this sugary locale that offers classic cupcakes, cookies, lemon + pecan bars, cakes, and mini-pies in-store, with custom offerings available for larger orders.

Texas French Bread, 2900 Rio Grande St. | Currently housed in an Airstream trailer, this small but mighty bakery (serving Austinites since 1981) sells goods on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll have to visit in person to see the full menu of bread, pastries, and sweets available each day.

Upper Crust Bakery, 4508 Burnet Rd. | This family-owned scratch bakery has it all, whether you want a cup of coffee and a pastry, a smoked turkey sandwich for lunch, or a layered cake to take home and enjoy.

Walton’s Fancy & Staple, 609 W. 6th St. | Amid a cluster of bars on West 6th Street, this bakery + deli owned by Sandra Bullock is a beacon of sweetness. Its pastries and sweet treats are made daily, but you can also order custom cakes.

Zucchini Kill Bakery, multiple locations | Calling all vegan, gluten, and soy-free folks with a sweet tooth. This woman-owned bakery is a haven for those with dietary restrictions and incorporates the spirit of punk music into its delicacies.

What’s your favorite bakery in Austin? Let us know and we might add it to this list in the future.

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Austin, TX

Texas Longhorns Release First Injury Report vs. Kentucky Wildcats

Published

11 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Press Room

Texas Longhorns Release First Injury Report vs. Kentucky Wildcats

AUSTIN — The Texas Longhorns and Kentucky Wildcats have released their initial student-athlete availability report ahead of Saturday’s meeting in Austin.

Texas is listing receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. as questionable due to a foot injury while linebacker Morice Blackwell Jr. is questionable after sitting out for the 20-10 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks last week.

“He’s progressing this week,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said of Moore Jr. during Wednesday’s SEC Weekly Teleconference. “We’ll see if he’ll be ready to go here Saturday, but we’re surely a better team when he’s out there.”

Fortunately for Texas, running back Jaydon Blue was not listed on the report after being seen in a sling following the Arkansas game.

Here’s the full report for both teams:

Texas vs. Kentucky injury report / secsports.com

Sarkisian provided an injury update on Moore Jr., Blue and Blackwell Jr. on Monday during his weekly press conference.

“I think Blue’s good,” Sarkisian said. “Like I said, he went with us today and worked this morning. So we’ll see how it goes. … Mo Blackwell was out last week. … I’m hopeful we can get him back this week. We’ll see how it goes. … DeAndre got nicked up during the game with a foot injury. Again, those two guys (Blackwell) are integral parts to our program, not only on offense and defense, but on special teams. They’re critical. So hopefully we get both those guys back.”

No. 3 Texas and Kentucky will kick off from DKR on Saturday at

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Austin, TX

UT Energy Expertise To Guide New Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub, Bolster U.S. Energy Supply

Published

19 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Press Room

UT Energy Expertise To Guide New Gulf Coast Hydrogen Hub, Bolster U.S. Energy Supply

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin will partner with industry and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to build and expand a hub for hydrogen energy production along the Texas Gulf Coast that will help increase and diversify the nation’s energy supply. UT serves as founding member and lead academic organization.

The HyVelocity Hub (HyV), a regional energy consortium, aims to become the largest hydrogen hub in the nation. It will leverage the region’s high concentration of existing hydrogen production and end-use assets to develop low-carbon intensity hydrogen that can power trucks, industrial processes, ammonia production, refining and petrochemical production, and marine shipping fuel.

“Texas is the nation’s energy capital, and UT is the energy university, and we are no stranger to playing a leading role in America’s energy innovation,” said UT President Jay Hartzell. “The success of the HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub is critical to our nation’s future energy security. We are excited to work with our industry partners and apply our vast energy, business and policy expertise to develop the hydrogen workforce and accelerate production along the Gulf Coast.”

UT will provide expertise to support community benefits activities and hydrogen workforce development efforts. UT, through the IC2 Institute and the RESET lab in the Cockrell School of Engineering, has a significant track record of working with over 80 communities in Texas and bordering states to understand community needs and connect these to economic development initiatives to improve the lives of all community members. The hydrogen proto-hub demonstration facility at the Center for Electromechanics will serve as a key resource for hands-on workforce training activities. UT researchers will also conduct life-cycle and techno-economic analyses for the projects. For example, they will provide the analyses required for meeting emissions criteria, clean hydrogen standards, and cost benchmarks, and will report these data to the Department of Energy.

“UT Austin’s role in the HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub will be vital to both providing the research and expertise needed to accelerate the global market for hydrogen, and to developing the workforce needed to support the industry’s advancement over the long term in Texas and the Gulf Coast,” said Brian Korgel, the Rashid Engineering Regents Chair Professor in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering and the director of the UT Energy Institute. “We are proud to be part of this important project that will advance secure and sustainable energy in the U.S. and all over the world.”

HyV’s work will be at the forefront of maintaining and expanding Texas as a global leader in hydrogen energy development. With $22 million in the first tranche of funding, HyVelocity is expected to create up to 45,000 well-paying jobs over its lifetime and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 7 million metric tons per year — equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 1.5 million gasoline-powered cars. The Department of Energy is investing $1.2 billion in the project.

As the nation’s premier university for energy innovation and excellence, UT brings an unmatched scale, depth and breadth of expertise and a pragmatic approach to advancing solutions across the full spectrum of energy. Situated in the heart of Texas, UT is in the center of the energy capital of the world. The University boasts numerous top-10 academic programs and a vast community of minds spanning a multitude of energy departments, centers and institutes. UT’s extensive industry partnerships and field research extend from the oil fields of West Texas to the other side of the world, with faculty, students and staff engaged in applied research in hydrogen, carbon capture, wind, solar, batteries and more.

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