UPDATED: SMPD Increase Patrols

Posted by Staff | @CorridorNews
11/05/2014

No Criminal Activity Reported

Police Increase Patrols After Social Media Alarm

Police have increased patrols near 401 N. Fredericksburg St. after social media posts alleged residents of an apartment complex felt threatened by suspicious persons, loud banging and graffiti on their doors.

The San Marcos Police Department has been working with the University Police Department to confirm the validity of the social media posts.

Police have contacted several of the people who have made the posts, but they gave no specific information about criminal activity. Police received one report of criminal mischief involving a drawing in permanent marker on a resident’s door last month, but have received no reports of suspicious persons as described in the posts.

“The San Marcos Police Department takes personal safety seriously, and this is a reminder to be aware of your surroundings and to contact police if you notice any suspicious activity,” said Commander Kelly Earnest, head of the San Marcos Police Department Criminal Investigation Division.

Those with specific firsthand knowledge of any incidents are encouraged to submit tips at www.citizenobserver.com, call the SMPD Criminal Investigation Division at 512.753.2300 during normal business hours, or call the police non-emergency number at 512.753.2108 after hours.

Press Release provided by SMPD and the City of San Marcos

Posted by Staff | @CorridorNews

11/04/2014

Earlier we received the opportunity to with to visit with Jason Pyron, the property manager at the Vistas. He informed us that he had called San Marcos Police Department and informed them of the issues of violence and “gang” symbol on the door of an apartment.

He wrote the statement below and it has been sent out to all the residents of the Vistas. “It is now in the hands of the San Marcos Police Department and they told me they would issue a statement themselves later tonight”, Mr. Pyron said “I’m thinking it might be social media hype”. The police department had been seen on the property today and “I keep asking the residents I see what they are telling them” said Mr. Pyron

From the outsiders point of view, the security looked good, but after asking some additional questions we believe it might just be there to look nice. Mr. Pyron informed us that the gates haven’t worked properly for 2-3 years.

They do have some cameras, but they are few and far between, and none located in the hallways where these incidents took place. The Vistas employ one security officer who works the graveyard shift, but no one covers the two days off for this security personnel. It was demonstrated to us that the “smart keys” do not work on any of the doors and are just left unlocked for anyone to come and go.

We placed a call to San Police Department who informed us that their Criminal Investigations Department was going to put out a statement later this evening. “We are considering this a criminal mischief incident, and believe it’s nothing serious” by a police department employee.

We will report additional information as we receive it.

Dear Resident,

As you might be aware, there has been information circulating on social media regarding “gang activity” at our property, as well as an email sent to all Texas State University students. We are aware of this information and are taking the situation very seriously. As the email from the school suggested, the San Marcos Police have been involved from the beginning and will be releasing a statement later this evening giving the facts surrounding the information and dispelling any rumors that might be in place at this time. We will be sending a follow up email once the statement is released as we know more information. First and foremost we want you to be safe. Keep an eye on your surroundings and if you see anything suspicious, please call the police.

Thank you,
Vistas Management

Thank you,
Vistas San Marcos
401 North Fredericksburg St.
San Marcos, TX 78666

This is an auto-generated email. Please do not reply to this email.

Posted by Staff | @CorridorNews

The San Marcos Corridor News has received additional independent information that the threats were for bodily harm and rape of young women living in the Vistas Apartments. Parents were seen moving their college attending kids out in the middle of the night last night, and one parent was reported as having a gun in a sidearm. Gang writings were reported to be written on residents front doors as well.

The San Marcos Corridor News has tried reaching out to the Vistas but our calls have gone unanswered at the time of this posting

The warning below was sent to all Texas State Students in a text message from TX State University Polcie Dept.

Subject: TIMELY WARNING: Reports of gang threats against women

The Texas State University Police Department has learned of reports circulating on social media about gang activity harassing women at the Vistas Apartments located in the 400 block of North Fredericksburg Street near campus.

The University Police Department is cooperating with the San Marcos Police Department to investigate the situation and the San Marcos Police Department will be releasing information as it becomes available. Anyone with information about this should contact the San Marcos Police Department at (512) 753-2108.

The Texas State University Police Department would like to remind people to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to contact the Police Department if they observe any suspicious activity.