SAN ANTONIO – A man was arrested for unlawfully carrying a gun Tuesday at the Central Library downtown at the same time Mayor Ivy Taylor was there making an appearance.
Dontez Rayshawn Jackson, 32, is charged with unlawful carry of a weapon.
Police received a report around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday of a suspicious person with a gun.
At the same time, Taylor was at the library making an appearance for her Fall Book Club.
Taylor was not available for comment Thursday, but issued a written statement saying,
“I just recently learned of the incident involving an armed felon at the library while my Mayor’s Book Club fall kickoff event was wrapping up on Tuesday. SAPD officers responded so quickly and professionally that none of us were aware there was an issue. I never even felt threatened or in danger, and I’m so relieved no one was injured.”
Taylor’s staff did see officers in the library approach an area some 30 feet from where the mayor’s event was held.
There is no confirmation that there was any connection between the suspect's arrest at the library and Taylor’s scheduled event.
Library administration would not provide comment Thursday, but Jeff Coyle, director of government public affairs for the city, said library staff cannot prevent someone from carrying a gun into the facility because of the state’s open carry law.
Jackson has been in trouble with the law several times before and was not allowed to carry a gun.
He has a criminal history that includes charges of indecent exposure, burglary, assault and escaping custody.
All of those charges stem from Austin and Travis County.