City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
City Of Austin | City Of Austin website
The Austin Police Department (APD) is actively investigating the officer-involved shooting that took place on December 5, 2023, in the 5300 block of Austral Loop. In an effort to promote transparency and accountability, APD has released preliminary information about the incident within ten business days, as per their policy. The press release includes links to relevant audio and video materials from the ongoing investigation.
The officer who discharged his Department-approved firearm has been identified as Detective Joseph Strother, who has over 12 years of service with the Austin Police Department. Following protocol, Detective Strother has been placed on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigations. APD will conduct two concurrent investigations: a criminal investigation carried out 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.
The chain of events leading up to the incident began when Austin 911 received a report of a burglary in progress at a residence. Detective Strother arrived at the scene and encountered the suspect, later identified as Shane James Jr., in the backyard. The suspect immediately fired several gunshots at Detective Strother, who returned fire in self-defense. Detective Strother sustained multiple gunshot wounds but managed to move to the front of the house away from the gunfire.
Officer Khristof Oborski provided cover and administered first aid to Detective Strother. Meanwhile, the suspect fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. EMS and the Austin Fire Department were called to provide medical assistance to Detective Strother, who was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and later released to recover at home.
After a pursuit with officers, the suspect crashed the stolen vehicle and was taken into custody. Inside the residence, two apparent victims of the suspect, Catherine Short and Lauren Short, were found with fatal injuries. Mr. James now faces charges including two counts of Capital Murder and one count of Aggravated Assault against a Public Servant.
The incident was captured on multiple officers' body-worn cameras, which provide crucial evidence for the investigations. However, in order to protect the integrity of the prosecution, APD has decided not to release the 9-1-1 audio. The released materials, including police radio traffic audio and body-worn camera footage from Detective Strother and Officer Oborski, can be accessed on APD's YouTube channel and other social media platforms.
APD is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. They can contact APD's Special Investigation Unit at (512) 974-6840 or provide anonymous tips through Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 or online at austincrimestoppers.org.
The investigations into the officer-involved shooting are ongoing, and APD remains committed to building trust within the community and ensuring transparency throughout the process.
To find out more, go to this link: https://www.austintexas.gov/news/apd-continues-investigate-officer-involved-shooting-december-5-2023
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