Fromstaff reports

The Austin Fire Department begins the annual ritual of hydrant flushing today.

Wednesday, April 05, 2000

The Austin Fire Department begins the annual ritual of hydrant flushing today.

According to Fire Chief Dan Wilson, the flushing begins in the greater downtown area near 4th Avenue and 4th Street NE and will move into the neighborhoods later.

One Austin firefighter working in concert with Austin Utilities will use a new lager port to flush the hydrants. Wilson said the process will be slower, but more thorough.

Residents who notice a drop in water pressure should not be alarmed.

Man charged with theft

Thomas Brazier, 36 of 1102 4th St. NW, was charged with motor vehicle theft, check forgery and theft.

According to an Austin Police Department report, the victim was a girlfriend of Brazier’s, who told investigators the suspect took her 1998 Pontiac Grand Am and check book without her permission.

The vehicle was stopped near 12:15 a.m. today by police, who identified Cindy Stuart, a friend of Brazier’s as the driver.

Brazier was in the vehicle and fled the scene on foot, but captured later after a short foot chase.

He was jailed, pending a court appearance later this week.