Person of interest in Koi Fish Caper

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Del Valle is a bit far from the Zilker Park Botanical Garden .

It was in a house in the 6600 block of Plaines Crest Drive where Austin police officers were hoping to find 13 stolen Koi fish and a person of interest.

Instead, police left with empty aquariums and nobody.

“I remain optimistic,” said Austin Police Department Sgt. Catherine Johnson.

Police said a credible lead led them to the house and the person who they said has information about the 13 Koi fish.

“I think it’s very important, and we will take this very seriously,” said Johnson.

When KXAN Austin News stopped by the house shortly after police left, the news team was told by someone at the house they did not want to talk to media and instead told reporters (using a single finger) to leave.

The horticulturalist supervisor at the Botanical Garden said he is happy police have solid leads and is hopeful one way or another the Japanese fish will be back.

“We’re trying to see if we can get them back," said Melvin Hinson. "If we can’t get them back, numerous citizens have offered replacement fish, so we will have new fish back in here fairly soon."

Even though APD has a person of interest in the case, they are still asking for anyone with information to give them a call.

The city said each of the fish are worth between $150 and $200.