Austin police have made an arrest in connection with a fatal shooting that took place outside a sports bar in north Austin, resulting in the death of one individual. The suspect, identified as Clayton Taitague, 20, will be facing first-degree murder charges once he is released from the hospital. The victim, Tyler Cochran, 30, tragically passed away at the scene of the incident.
The shooting occurred in the early hours of Friday morning outside Michelobos Sports Bar on East Braker Lane. Authorities were alerted to the scene at 1:43 a.m. following a 911 call reporting that two men had been shot. Upon arrival, the police discovered both the victim and the suspect with gunshot wounds. Investigations revealed that a verbal altercation between Cochran and Taitague turned physical, leading to the fatal shooting.
As of Monday, Taitague remains in critical but stable condition. The Austin Police Department has classified this incident as the 56th homicide in the city for the year 2024.
The parking lot where the shooting transpired has been identified by APD Chief Lisa Davis as a high-crime area with a surge in calls for police assistance. In 2023, officers responded to 34 calls at this location, a number that has already risen to 61 calls this year. The reported incidents include aggravated robberies, assault robberies, nuisance criminal activities, and celebratory gunfire.
Chief Davis expressed concern over the escalation in both the frequency and severity of criminal activities in the vicinity, attributing it to the presence of numerous nightclubs, sports bars, and after-hour establishments in the area. Efforts are underway to address the crime surge and alleviate the strain it places on law enforcement resources.
APD is collaborating with property owners to implement changes aimed at fostering a safer environment. Additionally, strategies such as environmental modifications involving lighting, parking adjustments, and revised operating hours are being considered to deter criminal behavior. The police department is also evaluating liquor licenses and enforcing relevant codes in the area.
Commander Lee Davis, who oversees the north Austin command, emphasized the importance of community engagement in tackling the rise in criminal incidents. Stakeholder groups will be consulted through community meetings to gather insights and feedback on addressing the challenges posed by the crime wave.
