The incident occurred just before 3 a.m. local time on Saturday, following a 911 call seeking assistance at a residence, according to Henderson. The caller, who was “screaming for help,” reported a stabbing incident.
Upon arrival, the first officers discovered an injured victim who had escaped the residence, as stated by Henderson. The victim was transported to a local hospital, but Henderson did not provide details about the injuries.
Subsequently, officers were informed that two other victims remained inside the residence with the suspect, who, according to the escaped victim, still possessed a knife. Henderson explained that the officers attempted an emergency forced entry to rescue the victims after announcing themselves as police. However, the suspect fired at the officers, prompting them to retreat without returning fire.
Due to the armed suspect barricading himself inside with hostages, SWAT was called to the scene, Henderson said.
SWAT officers arrived around 4 a.m. and attempted a second forced entry to rescue the victims, according to Henderson. Upon entry, the suspect immediately opened fire, resulting in two officers being shot and transported to a local hospital. One officer, identified as Jorge Pastore, a three-year Austin police officer, succumbed to his injuries despite life-saving efforts. The second officer is in stable condition.
Inside the residence, two victims were found with fatal injuries and pronounced dead at the scene, Henderson noted. Their identities have not been disclosed.
The suspect was also pronounced dead at the scene, and Henderson did not provide information on the suspect’s identity.
Pastore, survived by his wife, two stepsons, parents, and two sisters, was remembered by the Austin Police Department for his bravery in a social media post by Henderson.
This incident marks the first time in a decade that an officer from the Austin Police Department has been killed in the line of duty, according to ABC affiliate KVUE in Austin.
Mayor Kirk Watson expressed condolences, stating, “My heart and the hearts of Austinites are broken this morning. This is a horrible moment for our city and those who protect us.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott acknowledged the risks law enforcement officers face daily, calling the tragedy a reminder of their “great risks and selfless leadership.”
Henderson mentioned that multiple officers discharged their firearms during the incident, but they are not being identified at this time.
The Austin Police Department will conduct a criminal investigation into the officer-involved shooting, collaborating with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, an administrative investigation will be overseen by the Office of Police Oversight.
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