AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Three individuals have been arrested in connection with looting and vandalism at the Capital Plaza Target store last weekend.
The Travis County District Attorney's Office, in connection with the FBI, announced the charges on Saturday. The three people arrested are known members of a local anti-government group, which the DA's office describes as "a self-identified communist/socialist ANTIFA group." The damage to property and merchandise stolen from the store, located at 5621 North Interstate 35, is valued at over $20,000.
Lisa Hogan, 27, of Austin, was arrested on charges of Riot and Burglary of a Building. Both are State Jail felonies. She is suspected of sending out live feed video from the scene on Facebook, encouraging others to join the group at the Target to loot the store. Hogan’s bonds are set at $25,000 each.
Samuel Miller, 22, of Austin, was arrested on charges of Criminal Mischief and Burglary of a Building. Both are State Jail felonies. Miller is accused of destroying and ripping out the surveillance cameras located outside of the Target store. His bonds are set at $25,000 each.
Skye Elder, 23, of Austin, was arrested for Burglary of a Building which is a State Jail Felony. Elder's bond is set at $25,000.
Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore said of the investigation, "While I fully support the rights of freedom of speech and assembly, I cannot tolerate the subversion of peaceful protest by engaging in wanton destruction and theft. These arrests are important to protecting not only the property owners, but, even more importantly, the peaceful protesters whose message should be heard."
Austin Police were conducting surveillance at the store, after receiving information that local Target stores could be the sites of possible looting and vandalism. Around 5:45 p.m., approximately 20 to 30 individuals showed up at the store and began gathering around the front entrance. The group proceeded to rip off the plywood that had been previously placed on the doors to prevent entry into the store. Other group members held up a sheet in an attempt to conceal the activity being conducted at the front of the building. After the group shattered the glass on the front door, individuals then began to enter the store.
Members of the Austin Police Department's Special Response Team arrived shortly after the looters entered the building. Samuel Miller and Lisa Hogan were seen walking briskly away from the scene as the police arrived. And police were able to locate Miller shortly thereafter in a vehicle being driven by Skye Elder that had been parked away from the Target store.
"The violence, threat to life, and destruction of property we have seen in Austin and other parts of the country, jeopardizes the rights and safety of all citizens, including peaceful demonstrators," stated Special Agent in Charge, Christopher Combs, FBI San Antonio. "We thank members of the public and encourage them to continue sharing information, photographs, and videos of individuals engaged in violent and unlawful activities. With the cooperation of our community and partnership with law enforcement, we will hold those pursuing their violent agendas accountable," Combs added.
Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said, "These acts of vandalism and looting will not be tolerated. We appreciate the partnership with our local and federal partners in apprehending these suspects and bringing them to justice."