AUSTIN (KXAN) — Amilcar Gonzalez was most recently arrested in July in connection with an auto theft that happened in May.
Digging through court records, KXAN discovered his criminal history dates back to 2017. It includes additional auto theft charges, as well as drug and property theft charges.
His records show he served spurts of jail time in some cases, and received probation in others. He now has a hearing set for next week to discuss revoking the option for probation and not allowing him to post bond. Jail records show he is currently in custody.
The District Attorney’s Office could not comment on why Gonzalez received several probationary sentences despite repeat arrests and convictions.
According to the affidavit for his most recent arrest, a man called police on May 27 saying someone stole his car from W. Slaughter Lane. On July 31, police located the stolen car while patrolling near an illegal game room. Police arrested the driver, who they identified as Gonzalez.
Court records show that following one of his 2023 arrests, he completed in-custody substance abuse treatment, and was supposed to continue with such treatment as a condition of his release, but did not.
KXAN has reached out to Gonzalez’ attorney and will update this story when we receive a response.
Spike in auto theft has placed higher demand for auto glass repair services
Jay Esquivel, one of the owners of Adequate Auto Glass, said demand has spiked this year.
“Right now, our bookings are taking close to a month just because we have so much demand,” he said. “[It used to] take just a day or two.”
According to the Council on Criminal Justice, Austin’s auto theft rates are rising more quickly than other cities. The below rate increases are from 2019-2024.
- Austin: 145%
- Dallas: 56%
- Fort Worth: 33%
While not every case that comes through Esquivel’s door reaches the level of crime Gonzalez is connected to, the sheer volume of shattered windows concerns him.
“It’s just happening constantly,” he said.
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