Officer-involved shooting in North Austin leaves 1 person dead

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that has left one man dead in North Austin.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis says an officer responded to a 911 prowler call which is considered a high priority call.

The call came in at about 11 p.m. on September 10 in the 1700 block of West Anderson Lane.

When officers arrived, they learned that the suspect had a rock and a weapon in his waistband and was attempting to get into a nearby nail salon.

Officers tried to get the man to put the gun down but after 14 minutes of negotiating, five officers shot and killed the suspect at 11:25 p.m.

"All of [the officers] do a great job of taking cover and giving verbal commands again to the individual to drop the gun. 'Please, just drop the gun. Show us your hands. This doesn't have to be this way.'" Davis said. "The gun was raised, and the officers perceived that threat and shots were fired."

"He had two hands on the pistol and was waiting for a second, like stand-off whatever, he pulled the pistol like up, and he got like halfway up until he was aiming at the police, then they shot him and killed him," a witness who only wanted to be identified as Chris said.

The full identity of the suspect has not been released, but police did say he was a white male.

"A tragic situation for all involved. Anytime there is a loss of life, it is not something that any of us want to stand here and talk about. My condolences to their family," Davis said.

Davis adds break-ins have been a trend in the area.

"It is unfortunately an area that has suffered some theft, some breaking and entering," Davis said.

Chief Davis says the suspect's identity as well as other information will be released in about 10 days.