North Austin News

The Austin Police Department (APD) is actively investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place on December 2, 2023, at 1124 Brecon Lane. The department recognizes the importance of building trust within the community and is committed to developing a strong and trusting relationship.

In accordance with APD policy, information about critical incidents is shared within ten business days of their occurrence. The department has worked closely with the Office of Police Oversight and the City of Austin to release information regarding this incident. The preliminary details have been made available today, including links to relevant audio and video materials from the ongoing investigation.

The Travis-County District Attorney's Office has reviewed the audio and video materials that are identified for public release. It is important to note that the details provided at this stage are preliminary as the investigation is still in its early stages.

The shooting involved two officers, Detective Manuel Delgado-Eberhardt and Officer Robert Mattingly, who discharged their Department-approved firearms. Detective Delgado-Eberhardt has over eleven years of service with the department, while Officer Mattingly has nearly six years of service. Following standard protocol, both officers have been placed on administrative leave.

APD will conduct two concurrent investigations into this incident: a criminal investigation led by the APD Special Investigations Unit in collaboration with the Travis County District Attorney's Office, and an administrative investigation conducted by the APD Internal Affairs Unit, overseen by the Office of Police Oversight.

Transparency and accountability are essential elements in serving and building relationships within the Austin community. To provide clarity on the events that transpired, here is a chronological account:

At 9:24 a.m., Austin 9-1-1 Communications received a distress call reporting a male individual cutting his wrist and bleeding severely at 1124 Brecon Lane. Officers were dispatched to the scene within minutes. The caller informed the officers that the male individual, identified as Christophe Vanover, had a box cutter.

Detective Delgado-Eberhardt and Officer Mattingly arrived at the location at approximately 9:31 a.m., where they made contact with the 9-1-1 caller. The caller directed the officers to Mr. Vanover's location inside the residence, stating that he was bleeding heavily.

Based on the information provided, it appeared that Mr. Vanover may have been experiencing a mental health crisis. Austin-Travis County EMS arrived on the scene at approximately 9:31 a.m. and staged to provide medical assistance.

At 9:32 a.m., Detective Delgado-Eberhardt and Officer Mattingly entered the residence to check on Mr. Vanover's welfare. They announced and identified themselves as Austin Police Officers. As they approached Mr. Vanover, they observed him pointing a firearm at them. Officer Mattingly attempted to deploy his Department-approved taser, but it was ineffective. Subsequently, both officers discharged their firearms, striking Mr. Vanover.

Additional APD Mental Health Officers arrived at the scene and entered the residence to assist the two officers who were already inside. At 9:45 a.m., APD SWAT was called to the scene but the call-out was canceled at 9:55 a.m. after Mr. Vanover was taken into custody.

During the incident, Detective Delgado-Eberhardt reported over the police radio that he was "stuck inside" the residence, and the officers lost sight of Mr. Vanover. Mental Health Officers engaged in communication with Mr. Vanover for several minutes, attempting to provide assistance and medical aid. At 9:49 a.m., they made direct contact with Mr. Vanover, giving him verbal commands and safely taking him into custody at 9:52 a.m.

Following the incident, Mr. Vanover was escorted outside the residence by the officers and Austin-Travis County EMS. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital where he remains in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. Vanover has been charged with Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant, a first-degree felony.

No civilians or officers were physically injured during the incident.

The entire incident was captured on multiple body-worn cameras worn by the officers involved. However, it is important to note that body-worn camera footage may not capture everything seen or experienced by the officers or other witnesses. Nonetheless, the footage provides valuable insight into the events that unfolded.

In compliance with state law and to maintain the integrity of the investigation, certain portions of the released footage have been redacted. These redacted portions include footage taken in private spaces, which are protected by Texas Occupations Code sections 1701.651 and 1701.661(f).

The released materials include one 9-1-1 audio file, one Police Radio Traffic audio file, and the body-worn camera footage from Detective Manuel Delgado-Eberhardt and Officer Robert Mattingly. All of these materials are available on the APD's YouTube and other social media platforms.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact APD's Special Investigation Unit at (512) 974-6840 or Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at austincrimestoppers.org.

The APD remains committed to a thorough investigation to ensure transparency and accountability for the benefit of the Austin community.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.austintexas.gov/news/apd-continues-investigate-officer-involved-shooting-december-2-2023