Austin, TX — Austin police are searching for a 38-year-old man with multiple felony warrants after authorities said he escaped through a hotel window before a SWAT team arrived Thursday morning.
Austin Police Corporal Jose Mendez said officers spotted Timothy Hodes around 4 a.m. driving a stolen vehicle in North Austin. Officers initially located the vehicle near a gas station before following it to the Super 8 in the 8100 block of North IH-35 Service Road southbound.
Using surveillance, officers confirmed Hodes entered the hotel and then a first-floor room. Officers attempted to make contact but were unsuccessful.
Police said Hodes has a history of violent crimes and weapons charges and could have been armed. Because other guests were staying at the hotel, patrol officers established a perimeter and requested assistance from APD SWAT.
Officers evacuated adjoining hotel rooms while the Major Crimes Division obtained a search warrant for the room.
After SWAT entered, no one was found inside. Investigators later determined Hodes had apparently escaped through a window sometime before SWAT arrived.
Police said Hodes was believed to have been accompanied by an unidentified woman. No injuries were reported.
WANTED
• Timothy Hodes
• 38 years old
• Wanted on multiple felony warrants
• Police warn he may be armed and could be dangerous
HOW TO HELP
Anyone who sees Hodes or knows his whereabouts is asked to call 911. APD specifically warned the public not to approach him.