North Austin News

The Austin Police Department (APD) is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place on December 26, 2023, at 1501 E Howard Lane. The incident occurred at approximately 1:18 p.m. when a call was received by Austin 9-1-1 Communications reporting a man with a rifle in the middle of the parking lot.

According to the male caller, the man was shooting, and the caller was uncertain about what he was shooting at. The caller disconnected without providing further information. However, during the course of the investigation, it was determined that the male caller was actually the suspect himself, identified as Konrad Farad Khorshahian, a 63-year-old white male.

Responding to the call, two APD officers arrived at the scene at around 1:25 p.m. As they drove through the parking lot, one of the officers reported over the police radio that the suspect pointed a rifle at them. At the same time, several residents were observed walking in the parking lot.

Both officers exited their police vehicles at approximately 1:27 p.m., seeking cover behind parked vehicles. They communicated over the police radio that Mr. Khorshahian continued to point what appeared to be a rifle at them. One officer expressed uncertainty about whether it was a rifle or a "pellet gun."

At 1:28 p.m., Mr. Khorshahian, who was located behind a van, shouted at the officers that he wanted them to shoot him. Despite the officers giving verbal commands, identifying themselves as Austin police officers, and instructing Mr. Khorshahian to drop the weapon, he did not comply.

Air One, the APD helicopter, was called to assist the officers at 1:29 p.m. Within the same minute, one of the officers announced over the police radio, "Shots fired," and confirmed that Mr. Khorshahian was "down." The officer discharged his Department-approved firearm, striking the suspect.

Medical assistance was immediately requested, but unfortunately, Mr. Khorshahian succumbed to his injuries at approximately 1:48 p.m. No other individuals, including officers and citizens, were physically harmed during the incident. It was later determined that Mr. Khorshahian was in possession of a BB gun rifle.

The officer who discharged his firearm has four and a half years of service with the APD. As per protocol, he will be placed on administrative duty while the incident is under investigation. The APD will conduct two concurrent investigations into the officer-involved shooting: a criminal investigation conducted 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.

In accordance with APD policy, the body-worn camera footage related to this incident will be released within ten business days. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the APD's Special Investigations Unit or Capitol Area Crime Stoppers. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at austincrimestoppers.org.

The APD is committed to a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure accountability and provide answers to the community.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.austintexas.gov/news/apd-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-occurred-december-26-2023