Luis Sol, the owner of Michelobos, a sports bar on Braker Lane near I-35, expressed his condolences for the loss of Tyler Cochran, a regular customer who was shot and killed on Halloween night in the strip mall parking lot. The incident involved an altercation that turned violent, resulting in Cochran’s death and the arrest of Clayton Taitague for murder.
Sol clarified that Taitague was not inside Michelobos on the night of the shooting and emphasized that underage patrons are not allowed in the sports bar after 10 p.m. However, Sol mentioned that there have been ongoing issues with underage groups gathering in the parking lot late at night, causing disturbances such as fights and shootings.
The strip mall where Michelobos is located also houses a nightclub and several other businesses. Sol highlighted that many of the problems stem from non-customers who congregate in the parking lot, engaging in reckless behavior that poses a threat to public safety. He stressed his desire to maintain Michelobos as a safe and enjoyable environment for all patrons.
In response to the escalating incidents, Sol revealed that he has reached out to the Austin Police Department for assistance. He plans to discuss potential solutions to address the late-night crowd issues and enhance security measures at the establishment. Despite his efforts to increase private security, Sol acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by Michelobos in ensuring a peaceful environment for customers.
With approximately 35 crime reports at the strip mall since 2020, Sol hopes that collaborating with law enforcement and implementing proactive measures will help deter further incidents and safeguard the reputation of Michelobos. By actively engaging with authorities and taking steps to address the root causes of the problem, Sol remains committed to upholding the bar’s reputation as a welcoming and secure venue for patrons to enjoy.