Fugitive Accused In Attack On Austin Gay Couple Arrested

AUSTIN, TX —Police have arrested a man in an attack on a gay couple in that took place in January 2019 in downtown Austin, officials said Friday.

Police said an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers led to the arrest of Frank Macias, 24, who was arrested Friday morning at a residence in Corrigan, Texas, located in Polk County. The town is located some 235 miles east of Austin. He had been out on bond while awaiting trial before fleeing, police said.

Macias now awaits further judicial proceedings with a bond set at $15o,000, according to police. The Austin Police Department said assistance was requested from the U.S. Marshals-led Lone Star Fugitive Task Force to locate and apprehend Macias.

The arrest stems from an attack on two men at the corner of West 3rd Street and Congress Avenue on Jan. 19, 2019, according to a previously issued police advisory. Both men were transported to area hospitals for treatment of their wounds, police said.

Previous coverage:

• 4 Arrests Made In Austin Gay Couple's Attack
• Police Seek Suspect In Downtown Austin Attack On Gay Couple

A witness told police the confrontation was initially verbal before becoming physical between the two victims and a group of four men. Based on information gathered during that investigation, four suspects were arrested, including Macias. He had been sought for two outstanding warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection to the incident, police said.

The two men who were attacked, Spencer Deehring and Tristan Perrry, were later interviewed on local television stations as they recounted their harrowing ordeal. The two men said they had exited the Rain nightclub on 217 W 4th St. after attending a friend's birthday party before being attacked. Macias, a resident of Georgetown, was the first to be identified as a suspect before police confirmed three other men — Quinn O'Conner, Miguel Macias and Kolby Monell — were placed under custody.

After being charged, police added, Frank Macias made threatening comments on social media about law enforcement and the Office of the District Attorney. As a result of his actions, police described him as dangerous while seeking help from the public in locating him.

"We want to take this opportunity raise awareness about the APD Safe Place Program and to reiterate our commitment to the LGBTQ+ members of our community," police said at the time.