MI rape, kidnap suspect found in Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A Detroit man sought in connection with the rape and kidnap of a woman in Michigan earlier this month was arrested in Austin on Friday.

Curtis Snerling, 30, of Detroit  was picked up by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. Snerling was arrested at about 1:00 p.m., in the 4500 of Best Way, in eastern Travis County off of FM 969.

In June, Snerling allegedly kidnapped, bound, beat and sexually assaulted a victim over the course of a day. The victim was able to summon local police after her screams were heard by neighbors.

The Michigan Fugitive Task Force discovered that Snerling was hiding out in Austin, and officers determined Snerling may have arrived in the Austin area a few weeks ago and was residing in a home eastern Travis County.

This morning, Austin task force officers received information that Snerling was at the home and possibly harmed. It was unclear whether the homeowners knew of Snerling's charges.

Travis County SWAT was called to the scene, but Snerling left out of a side door and submitted to an arrest when task force officers ordered him to the ground.

Two handguns were removed from the residence and the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms in Austin are investigating potential federal firearm violations.

Snerling was remanded to the custody of the Travis County Sheriff pending extradition to Wayne County, Michigan.

“I am grateful that the arrest of Curtis Derrell Snerling came to an end without law enforcement officers or members of our community getting hurt," said Robert R. Almonte, United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas. "The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force will continue to pursue fugitives who victimize our community. ”

Members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force in Austin:

• Austin Police Department-Intelligence Unit
• Travis County Sheriff’s Office
• Texas Department of Criminal Justice OIG
• Williamson, Caldwell, Hays and Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office
• Williamson County DA’s Office
• Texas Rangers
• Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
• U.S. Marshals Service