Austin police identify suspect in officer involved shooting in South Austin

Austin police have identified the the suspect involved in the south Austin shooting.

It happened on Oct.5 just after 7:30 p.m. in the 6900 block of Shadywood Drive. That's near south First Street and William Cannon which is right behind Bedichek Middle School.

Officials said the initial call was about a grass fire and APD was called in to assist AFD but along the way the call was revised and upgraded to a man on the street with a handgun.

When officers arrived, witnesses reported the suspect identified as 48-year-old Mark Herrera had been pointing the gun at bystanders and himself.

A response team made communication with Herrera and kept giving him commands to drop the weapon. That's when police said Herrera turned his weapon towards officers who in turn fired their own weapons.

According to police Herrera was struck at least twice by police. Officers Erin Littig and Ryan Mihalik who fired at Herrera also administered first aid before Herrera was taken to the hospital.

Herrera is reportedly in stable condition.

APD is in the process of conducting a criminal investigation with the District Attorney's Office as well as an internal investigation.

Officer Littig has been with the department for eight years.  Officer Mihalik has been with the department for two years. 

As is standard protocol, both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.