Manhunt Continues For Machete-Wielding Suspect In Austin

AUSTIN, TX — Austin police said Wednesday the search for a machete-wielding suspect accused of slicing a man's face in November continues.

To that end, police released a new surveillance camera image of the suspect in the hopes someone might recognize him and alert detectives. Police also revealed the suspect goes by the street name of "Soldado," the Spanish word for soldier.

The man is wanted for two separate incidents that occurred within 30 minutes' time. The first incident on Saturday, Nov. 14, occurred along the 7200 block of North Interstate 35 where he got into a verbal altercation with a woman outside a gas station. In a previous advisory, police said the suspect made stabbing motions as he approached the woman on whose neck he put the knife's blade. The victim was able to flee unharmed, police said.

Previous coverage: Knife-Wielding Suspect Sought By Austin Police

About a half-hour later, according to police, the suspect returned to the location while armed with a machete with which he sliced a man's face. Despite the victim's serious injury, police added, he was able to follow the suspect after the attack before alerting the police of his approximate whereabouts.

Photo provided by Austin Police Department.

Police said the victim in the second assault was transported to an area hospital for treatment, and has since been released. In new information not previously released, police said they were able to secure several items of evidence — including the weapon used in the assault. The suspect, who is believed to frequent the area around Cameron Road and U.S. 183 is described as between five feet, six inches, and five feet, seven inches tall of muscular build. He is believed to be between 40 and 50 years of age.

Police urge anyone with information or video of the incident to call (512) 974-4123, the Crime Stoppers tip line at (512) 472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app. Those submitting tips have the option of remaining anonymous, police said. Those with tips also can submit tips by downloading the police department's mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android. Information leading to the arrest of this individual may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000, police said.