Officer-involved shooting in North Austin: Suspect in custody

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting in North Austin.

The backstory:

APD says the incident happened on Wednesday, August 12, at the Centro Studio Homes Apartments in the 800 block of Camino La Costa.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said at a news conference that a 9-1-1 call was received from a person who said they were approached while sitting in their car by the suspect. 

The victim exited their car and was punched in the face twice by the suspect. A gun was then put onto the victim's head. The victim said they were then pistol whipped.

Police said an officer got to the Centro Studio Homes Apartments within minutes and quickly spotted someone who matched the description from the 911 caller.

"The person was probably about 50 feet in front of the officer. The officer exited his car. The subject went behind a parked vehicle, fired a few shots at the officer. The officer then returned fire," Chief Davis said.

Police said the man then ran into his apartment in the complex and residents nearby were told to shelter in place. For the next hour and a half, police worked to get the man out. 

Eventually, he was arrested.

Besides the man who was hit in the parking lot, no one else was hurt.

The officer who fired their weapon has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol.

Dig deeper:

Chief Davis says the victim and the suspect did not know each other. 

The identity of the suspect has not been released, but the suspect is a man.

APD SWAT had been called to the incident and there was a shelter in place issued for residents in the nearby area at around 9:15 a.m. The shelter in place ended at around 10 a.m.

What's next:

Chief Davis says that an update is expected to be provided at a media briefing on Friday or next Monday. 

North AustinCrime and Public Safety