North Austin News

The Austin Police Department (APD) is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place on December 16, 2023, in the 200 block of E. 6th Street. The incident occurred at approximately 11:52 p.m. when officers in the 6th street patrol area were alerted by a complainant that an individual was attempting to enter a bar with a gun, a violation of Texas Penal Code section 46.03.

Upon receiving the report, officers quickly arrived at the scene where they encountered the suspect, later identified as Trei Michael Adriec Hernandez. According to an employee of the bar, Hernandez was denied entry and moved towards an adjacent window. The bar employee informed officers that Hernandez had a weapon on him and did not want to be searched before entering.

As officers approached Hernandez, he immediately pulled out his firearm and pointed it in the direction of both officers and innocent bystanders. In response to the imminent threat, three APD officers discharged their firearms, while Hernandez also fired his weapon. The exchange of gunfire resulted in Hernandez sustaining multiple gunshot wounds and being pronounced deceased at the scene.

Unfortunately, three bystanders were also injured during the incident and were subsequently transported to the hospital. One of the bystanders sustained serious injuries, while the other two had non-life-threatening injuries. Thankfully, no officers were injured during the confrontation.

APD's Special Investigations Unit is currently working to determine whether the injuries sustained by the bystanders were caused by the suspect or by the police officers. The entire incident was captured on the officers' body-worn cameras, in accordance with APD policy. The video footage will be released within ten business days.

The three officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative duty, as per APD protocol. They have nine, eleven, and thirteen years of service with the department. In addition to the criminal investigation being conducted by the APD Special Investigations Unit in collaboration with the Travis County District Attorney's Office, an administrative investigation is also underway, overseen by the APD Internal Affairs Unit with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. APD's Special Investigations Unit can be reached at (512) 974-6840, while Capitol Area Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 512-472-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at austincrimestoppers.org.

As the investigation unfolds, the APD remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in its handling of the case. The department is working diligently to gather all the necessary facts and evidence to provide a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the events that transpired on December 16, 2023.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.austintexas.gov/news/apd-investigating-officer-involved-shooting-occurred-december-16-2023