Fake cops break into home with guns

AUSTIN(KXAN) - The Austin Police Department is on the hunt for a group of men who they say broke into a home with guns and impersonated police.

It happened last Wednesday on the 3500 block of Pecan Springs Drive in East Austin.

Neighbors said a group of about nine men kicked in the door to a home with a shotgun and a handgun. One of them was caught and is in police custody.

According to police documents, the men then tied down the people inside the home.

APD arrived on the scene moments later and were able to catch one of the suspects. Several others fled the scene, but left behind a shirt and hat that had the word "POLICE" written on.

Ralph Ellison, a neighbor who saw and heard the entire thing, called police and said he is now taking action to protect himself and his neighbors.

"I'd like justice to be served," said Ellison, who has lived in the neighborhood for over 8 years. "This is where I live and I want to feel safe in my own home. I want my neighbors to feel that we are looking out for each other."

Police arrested 25-year-old Jonathan Esquivel, who now faces charges for aggravated assault, burglary, and impersonating a public servant. Esquivel is now in the Travis County Jail where his bond was set at $170,000. 

But the thought of other suspects on the run has neighbors like Ellison fearing for their safety.

"I've been on high alert the last few days," said Ellison. "Police have even told me when they left to be vigilant they might come back and kick your door in."

Anyone with information is asked to contact APD.