APD: Man took man's phone, dragged him down street with his car

AUSTIN, Texas - The free-ride-free-for-all took place in West Campus and it was an intense and bizarre attack, according to Austin Police Detective Jennifer Taylor.

"This was particularly violent, although there was not a typical weapon used, a motor vehicle is a weapon,” said Taylor.

Investigators are looking for Bradford Scott Childers, 42, who has been charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. APD released two photos and a description of Childers Tuesday.

It all started July 6th at the intersection of St John's Avenue and I-35. That's where a man claims Childers picked him up and offered to take him to another location. Instead, Childers allegedly drove the man to In-N-Out Burger on Guadalupe Street and demanded to be paid gas money.

"When he realized the victim didn't have any money to pay him for gas, he grabbed the victims phone out of his hand and the victim grabbed on to the driver’s side and the suspect took off, down the street, dragging the victim,” said Taylor.

Taylor says that for several blocks along Nueces, a rolling fistfight took place. The victim was eventually knocked off the car by a large planter in front of a witness.

"And he was so focused on helping the victim, I think," Taylor said. "He got the plate and attended to the victim, then spoke to the officers that arrived on scene."

The victim suffered cuts and deep bruises to his body but survived. The license plate number was eventually linked back to Childers.

Austin police say if anyone knows where Childers is, they should not approach him and instead immediately call 911.

Childers is described as 6'1", 245 pounds with pierced ears and may have a mustache and goatee.

If anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the APD Robbery tip line at (512) 974-5092, Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or use the new Crime Stoppers App. Tips can be submitted by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.