City Worker Shot in the Face in East Austin

A man who works for the Austin water utility was shot in the face during a robbery early Tuesday.

The shooting occurred just before 5 a.m. in the parking lot of the Dairy Queen at 5900 Manor Road, Austin Water officials said. Paramedics rushed him to University Medical Center Brackenridge.

The man, who was not identified, was working on a meter when two armed men walked up to him and demanded his wallet. Another man at a nearby bus stop ran to help him, but was also robbed and held at gunpoint.

Witnesses said the two men ran to a vehicle and drove away.

Officials at Austin Water said the man, 69, who is a 20-year veteran of the department, was able to call Austin Police for help. He has been treated and released from the hospital.

He was working early in the morning “to avoid any water service disruption to nearby businesses,” officials said in a statement.

“Our employees serve the Austin community and play a critical role providing water services every day to the residents of Austin,” said Greg Meszaros, Director of Austin Water. “I am extremely proud of the work they do for our community.”

[PHOTO: Shutterstock]