5 arrested after police find woman 'handcuffed to exercise equipment' at southeast Austin home

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Five people were arrested Thursday morning after police found a woman handcuffed to a piece of exercise equipment outside a southeast Austin home.

According to the Austin Police Department, officers responded to a "check welfare urgent" call at 1700 Bitter Creek Drive shortly after 9 a.m. on Thursday. The call reported that there was a woman in distress who "appeared to be restrained and calling for help," according to a release from APD.

APD said when police found the woman, she had "signs of physical distress" and had visible injuries that were "consistent with prolonged restraint."

APD immediately worked to free her, and due to the condition of the restraints, had to cut through "heavy metal links" to safely release her. APD requested help from the Austin Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMS.

ATCEMS took the woman to a hospital. Police said she's still there. They did not provide details on her condition.

According to police, while officers were helping the woman, several adults exited the house. They were detained while officers secured the scene.

Three young children were also found at the house and placed in the care of Child Protective Services.

Five people, pictured below, were arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, injury to the elderly or disabled, and unlawful restraint.

APD said this an active and ongoing investigation.

Anyone with any information should call APD's Human Trafficking unit at (512) 974-4786. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling (512) 472-8477.