AUSTIN, TX - In a late-night encounter in downtown Austin, chaos erupted as Austin Police Department officers responded to reports of an armed individual attempting to enter a bar, ultimately leading to a fatal officer-involved shooting that claimed the suspect's life and left three others injured.
In a media briefing held Dec.17, Austin Police Department Interim Chief of Police Robin Henderson addressed the press regarding an officer-involved shooting that transpired at the 200 block of E 6th St.
Chief Henderson, flanked by members of the Austin Police Department Executive Staff, Office of Police Oversight representative Gail McCant, and City Legal counsel Bassil Ally, began the briefing by emphasizing that the investigation is in its preliminary stages.
She cautioned that the available information is subject to change as the inquiry progresses.
The timeline of events, as outlined by Chief Henderson, commenced at approximately 11:52 p.m. when officers responded to reports of an individual attempting to enter a bar with a firearm—a violation of Texas Penal Code section 46.02, Unlawful Carrying of Weapons.
Information from the police department states that upon arrival, officers identified the armed suspect based on information provided by a bar employee.
As officers approached, the suspect brandished his firearm, pointing it in the direction of both officers and innocent bystanders.
In response to the imminent threat, three Austin Police Department officers discharged their department-approved firearms at the suspect, resulting in the suspect sustaining multiple gunshot wounds and being pronounced deceased.
Chief Henderson confirmed that none of the involved officers were injured during the confrontation. However, three individuals, separate from the suspect, sustained injuries.
They were transported to the hospital, with one in critical condition and the other two enduring non-life-threatening injuries.
The officer-involved shooting incident was captured on the officers' body-worn cameras, and in adherence to APD policy, the related video footage will be released within ten business days.
The officers involved in the shooting, boasting 9, 11, and 13 years of service with the Department, will be placed on administrative duty as per APD protocol.
Chief Henderson announced that two concurrent investigations will be conducted into the incident—a criminal investigation led by the APD Special Investigations Unit in collaboration with the Travis County District Attorney's Office and an administrative investigation overseen by the APD Internal Affairs Unit with input from the Office of Police Oversight.
"We will provide additional details as we learn more about this incident," Chief Henderson assured the public.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact APD's Special Investigations Unit at (512) 974-6840 or Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at austincrimestoppers.org.
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