Lakeway police, in concert with multiple other law enforcement agencies — including Bee Cave police, Constable Pct. 2, Constable Pct. 3, Lake Travis Fire-Rescue, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Austin police — proved to be true heroes this week after three men tried to rob Cristiani’s Jewelers in the Lakeway Commons.

In a word, authorities were “magnificent.”
Thanks to quick acting, brave employees at Cristiani’s, as well as observant local residents, police were on the scene within minutes of the initial attempted armed robbery. One suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident occurred. While the two others headed out into the Lakeway area on foot, law enforcement quickly created a perimeter to contain the fugitives from escaping their grasp. StarFlight, Austin Police and Texas Department of Public Safety helicopters and searched by air while officers, complete with dogs, canvassed the area.
It was a professional operation from top to bottom. Every agency worked in sync with the overall operation. With such skill and cooperation, the two other suspects were arrested before 6 p.m.
And law enforcement worked with local schools to make certain nearby campuses were on lock down and they encouraged parents to pick their children up or have them ride buses, rather than walk home.
Lakeway Police Chief Gordon Bowers sent out a telephone message to area residents to lock their doors and stay inside their homes. Lakeway Lt. Todd Radford helped coordinate ground efforts masterfully.
So residents can sleep with peace at night, knowing that they are well protected by caring agencies that are willing to work together for the best possible outcome.
These officers are all true American heroes. Perhaps residents should remind them with a simple “thank you” next time they see one of our finest in the field.
Let us be first: “Thank you. You’re bravery, planning and efficiency is very impressive. Way to go! All of you are top drawer in our book…”
— Charles McClure
Editor