AUSTIN -- A man has been charged with robbery by assault after police officers witnessed him physically attack a man before attempting to run away with his wallet, according to the Austin Police Department.
The incident happened around 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10 in the 600 block of San Jacinto Blvd. between 6th St. and 7th St.
Two police officer saw Jerry Shain Byrd, 41, attack a man from behind as the man was walking on a curb, intoxicated, an affidavit states.
Byrd allegedly pushed the victim, pinned him to the ground, and stood on top on him before reaching for his pockets to pull out his wallet. The victim suffered several injuries, including laceration to his arms and hands, and a bleeding forehead.
When the officers started to approach the assailant in an attempt to stop him, Byrd ran from the officers before getting caught and apprehended in a nearby parking lot. A search confirmed that Byrd did indeed steal the victim's wallet, police said.
The victim was taken to the hospital where he received stitches for his injuries. The victim did not have any recollection of the incident the next day.
Byrd's arrest warrant has been issued by the Travis County Sheriff's Office and his bond has been set at $30,000.
