Shooting inspires stronger crime watch

AUSTIN (KXAN) - South Austin resident Roger Casanova and Austin Police officer Josh Visi are what some might call partners in crime.

For the last four years, the two have worked closely together to try and keep the Canterbury Trails neighborhood safe.

But Casanova's passion for protecting his neighbors started long before that. He joined the homeowner's association board in 2000 and created an email distribution list to open the lines of communication.

"I'll put out an email saying, 'Be on the lookout for this car, it's suspicious,"' said Casanova.

Earlier this month, his quiet neighborhood was shaken up when a 17-year-old was shot and killed trying to chase down two younger teens police say were breaking into his parents' car.

"This last event I think has really sparked something," said Casanova.

Neighbors turned to him asking if they could meet and figure out what else they could do.

"It's a violent crime," said Officer Visi. "A young man lost his life. There is a lot of passion, there is a lot of emotion in the neighborhood right now and we all understand why. What Roger and I want to do is capture that passion, not in a painful way, but just by looking out for one another."

Monday night Casanova launched a Facebook page not just for his own neighbors to communicate better, but for all surrounding South Austin neighborhoods to use. His goal is to form an alliance of south Austin neighborhoods.

A friend and neighbor suggested naming the page "Community Awareness of South Austin" or CASA for short so people can easily remember it.

"This is not vigilanteism, it's not 'hey, let's go looking for people now.' It's about people coming together and knowing who is out there," said Casanova.

The page is not just for crime concerns. Casanova wants it to be a place people can post public announcements or community activities.

Less than 24 hours after its launch, nearly 30 people had already joined.

"My new mantra is a connected neighborhood is a protected neighborhood," said Visi. "I think the tools he's putting in place now will have a long-standing benefit to the community."