Residents of a Southwest Austin neighborhood are dealing with the unsettling presence of a homeless man who has been causing disturbances, damaging property, and instilling fear among the community. Despite their pleas, the District Attorney has declined to pursue felony charges against the individual, leaving residents feeling desperate for a return to normalcy.
One resident, James Murff, vividly recalls his initial encounter with Rami Zawaideh five years ago in the Westgate neighborhood. “I witnessed a man wielding an axe, uttering violent profanities, and ruthlessly chopping down trees. I immediately called the police,” Murff recounted. Unfortunately, this was just the beginning of Zawaideh’s disruptive behavior.
Another resident, JJ Pepper, shared his experiences, describing the bizarre scenes that have unfolded in their neighborhood. “At odd times, I would hear the sounds of chopping and sawing, only to find peculiar structures and stacks of Greenbelt trees appearing overnight,” Pepper said. The disruption escalated in January when Zawaideh took a sledgehammer to city property, causing residents like Frankie Hefley to express concerns about the safety of their community. “The increasing level of escalation, particularly with the placement of boulders, is truly worrisome. We have a walking trail nearby, and this type of behavior cannot be tolerated,” Hefley stated.
Initially, Zawaideh faced charges of felony criminal mischief, leading to an arrest warrant. However, on January 26, court records revealed an order of commitment and last month, the Travis County District Attorney’s office rejected the felony charges. Murff expressed his frustration, stating, “He is engaging in activities that should not be permitted. Whether it’s camping in unauthorized areas, digging massive holes, or cutting down trees, these actions should not go unpunished. At the very least, there should be consequences.”
Remarkably, Zawaideh has been arrested six times within a year in Travis County, yet all cases have either been dismissed or rejected. Murff believes this situation exemplifies a more significant problem within the city. “I understand that the police are hesitant to make arrests because they know there won’t be any prosecution. The DA evaluates the cases and typically decides not to pursue charges, which means people are not being held accountable. This is a significant issue we need to address,” Murff explained.
To make matters worse, Zawaideh has relocated to a different area and set up camp near a trail frequently used by Murff and his wife for walking their dogs. “Every time we pass by, he starts yelling at his imaginary friend, whom he refers to as Polly. He shouts things like, ‘Hey, Polly, where do you bury all those bodies? How many murders have you got?’ It feels like he does it intentionally to intimidate us,” Murff shared.
With growing concern, Murff believes decisive action is necessary. “Most people would acknowledge that he is living in dire conditions and struggling with various issues. We all want him to find a way out of his struggles, but there comes a point where individuals need to be held responsible,” Murff emphasized. Although he acknowledges the drawbacks of incarceration, Murff recognizes the necessity of protecting others or even the individual themselves. “I am reluctant to suggest that locking him up is the ideal solution, but sometimes we must detain individuals who pose a danger to others or themselves. If those responsible for assessing his situation determine that it is the best course of action or the most appropriate outcome, I am willing to accept it at this point. The current situation is untenable.”
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In summary, the residents of a Southwest Austin neighborhood are enduring the distressing presence of a homeless man whose disruptive and intimidating behavior has left the community yearning for normalcy. Despite repeated encounters and arrests, the District Attorney’s office has chosen not to pursue felony charges, leaving residents feeling desperate for a resolution. They believe it is crucial for individuals to be held accountable for their actions and are open to considering measures that ensure the safety and well-being of both the community and the homeless individual in question.
