Austin man pleads not guilty to felony property damage

Published 6:27 am Friday, January 22, 2010

A 20-year-old Austin man pleaded not guilty in court Thursday to a felony property damage charge for allegedly damaging an ex-girlfriend’s car.

Jordan Daniel Rouse also pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of interfering with a police officer for allegedly resisting arrest. Rouse’s attorney requested an omnibus hearing, which will be completed within 28 days.

Rouse’s ex-girlfriend reported property damage to police around 8:30 a.m. Jan. 9. The woman said Rouse had threatened her before, and several messages were left on her phone by the suspect alluding to damaging her vehicle, according to a police report.

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All four tires were slashed, a keypad was smashed and the gas-cap door was ripped off. The total damage was roughly $1,200, the report states.

Police found a kitchen knife near the car on the 600 block of First Avenue Northwest. They also noted distinct footprints in the area, the report states.

When they went to the Rouse’s house, they noticed similar footprints nearby. He denied involvement and said he was with friends the night before. Rouse refused to take his hands out of his pocket and struggled during his arrest, at which point officers used a chemical irritant spray.

In addition to the criminal charges, the alleged victim filed suit in civil court.

A restraining order was issued against Rouse Jan. 12.