Armed Robbery Suspect from Jacksonville Caught in Austin

AUSTIN � 29-year-old Ray Hawkins, Jr., of Jacksonville, was arrested by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force Thursday afternoon in south Austin without incident, according to authorities. KETK reports that Hawkins was sought by Cherokee County authorities for his alleged involvement in three armed robberies of Jacksonville convenience stores. Officials say others involved in this case have been convicted and sentenced.

Hawkins was due to appear before a Cherokee County District Court on August 8th to enter a plea on the robbery cases. Officials say Hawkins did not appear as ordered and a failure to appear warrant was subsequently issued. The U.S. Marshals-led Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force conducted a series of interviews and determined that Hawkins had fled to Austin shortly after his scheduled hearing date.

The investigation transitioned to the Austin-based task force, and officers initiated surveillance at several locations purported to have ties with Hawkins. Early Thursday, task force officers established surveillance in the 7300 block of Rhett Place and saw a parked vehicle associated with Hawkins in East Texas. Eventually, officers were able to identify Hawkins. As officers approached, Hawkins attempted to flee through the back door and was quickly caught by officers covering the rear, according to officials. Hawkins was placed in the Travis County Detention Center pending his extradition to Cherokee County.