APD Catches I-35 Rock Thrower

By THC Staff | June 17, 2016

 

Those who drive down I-35 in Austin can breathe a sigh of relief. Patrick Eugene Johnson, the main suspect in over 100 rock throwing incidents that have occurred in the past two years, is currently sitting in Travis County Jail with a cash bond set at $250,000.

Johnson, age 59, has only admitted to throwing rocks two times, which his roommate has confirmed, but Austin Police Department Chief Art Acevedo says he believes this man to be the perpetrator of the majority of rock throwing incidents. In fact, Johnson would often show up at the scene after these occurrences to act as a “Good Samaritan” or notify the media.

According to KEYE TV, Johnson often contacts the media: “He runs the website Texas Towing Compliance and has called the KEYE TV newsroom many times to pitch story ideas or give tips on traffic crashes in the area.”

A University of Texas officer caught Johnson throwing a rock on his dash camera. Now, Johnson will be charged with attempted murder. Several of his victims have been seriously injured. He was previously charged with aggravated sex assault of a child in 2012, which is still awaiting trail.