by Bruce Nadig
U Unfortunately, there's lots to report this month.

Hyde Park Stalker
    Our "friend" from a few months ago is back. As many of you will remember, a number of months ago, a man would follow women who were out jogging or walking in the neighborhood. On occasion he would expose himself to women. The Austin Police Department was able to identify the man and had several discussions with him about his behavior (at this time I don't recall if he was arrested).
    For a while his stalking activities were discontinued. Well, that has changed. I have been informed by Officer Brent Dupre, our APD District Representative, that this same suspect has begun following women. Typically he will follow women that are walking or jogging early in the morning. Usually he does this on his way to work in the morning (he works for a large employer in the immediate Hyde Park area). The suspect has a new car this time around. Officer Dupre told me that the car is a teal 1995 Chevy Caprice 4-door. The license number is T33-HDH. It is very common for him to attempt to obscure his license plate while engaging in these activities. The suspectÕs name is Jonathan Meekins. He is described as African-American, standing 5 feet 11 inches;, and he weighs about 160 pounds; basically he is tall and thin. He has short hair.
    While slowly driving behind a woman who is walking or jogging is not a crime in itself, it can easily lead to other more distasteful or even violent acts. Should you find this man, or anyone else following you, avoid going to your home. Try to go to an area where there are other people around. You can go to a neighborÕs home or business also. Call the Austin Police Department's 911 number and report a suspicious man. Get a good description of which way the vehicle goes if it stops following you. If you have any other questions regarding this issue, please do not feel hesitant to contact our APD District Rep., Officer Brent Dupre. He can be reached by phone at 974-5841 or via e-mail at brent.dupre@ci.austin.tx.us.
Tire Slashings
    The age-old problem of the Hyde Park Tire Slashings continues. I have been putting news of this in the Pecan Press as often as I can. I know that IÕm going to be repeating myself, but here goes:
    From what I understand, this has been going on in the Hyde Park area for 15 years or more. At night, someone or some group of people have been slashing the tires of cars in Hyde Park. Usually, at least two tires per car are slashed. In most, although not all, cases the victims' cars are parked in the street.