Alleged Taxi Hijacking Suspect Killed After Pointing Gun At Seven Austin Police Officers

Interim Chief of Police, Brian Manley, held a briefing last night and stated a criminal and administrative investigation is currently on-going after a suspect was killed during a “complex case.”

by, Staff

Monday evening, Feb. 19, Austin police officers responded to a disturbance between roommates, which progressed into the hijacking of a taxi cab and an officer-involved shooting.

Interim Chief of Police, Brian Manley, held a briefing last night and stated a criminal and administrative investigation is currently on-going after a suspect was killed during a “complex case.”

Seven officers have been placed on administrative leave after the suspect in a disturbance between roommates and a potential kidnapping was shot and killed. A 911 call was received at approximately 5:30 p.m. asking for help in the 4800 block of Nuckols Crossing road.

According to Manley, the initial incident was reported to be a disturbance between roommates and a potential kidnapping in the 3300 block of Parker Lane; officers were responding to both locations to investigate.

The suspect is said to have gotten into a yellow cab and followed the victims of the initial incident to Nuckols Crossing Road. The 911 caller told dispatch the suspect was possibly carrying a firearm.

Manley said during a high-risk felony traffic stop attempt, the cab driver got out of the cab, and the suspect jumped into the driver seat and drove away. After a several-minute chase, he stopped the taxi cab outside the entrance to an apartment complex in the 4900 block of Edge Creek Drive.

Police confirmed the suspect had a gun, which was seen in his hand, and instructed him to drop it. After initially pointing the weapon at his own head, he eventually pointed it at police officers, who retreated safely.

SWAT and negotiators were called to the scene. When the suspect pointed his weapon at officers again, three minutes later, they opened fire on the vehicle.

Negotiators attempted to negotiate with the suspect and convince him to put the weapon down. Around 6:50 p.m., officers fired on the vehicle again and were unable to reestablish contact with the suspect.

SWAT officers were able to secure the vehicle and tactical medics attempted to render aid. However, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Manley, administrative leave is common in officer-involved shooting cases while the incident is reviewed. Administration will review the incident to ensure APD policies and procedures were followed by the seven officers. A criminal investigation will be performed by APD investigators and the DA’s office.