North Austin News

The Austin Police Department (APD) is currently conducting an investigation into an officer-involved shooting that took place on December 16, 2023, in the 200 block of East 6th Street. The incident has prompted the department to emphasize the importance of trust-building within the community.

In accordance with their policy, APD has released initial information regarding the incident within ten business days of its occurrence. Working in collaboration with the Office of Police Oversight and the City of Austin, the department has shared a press release that includes links to relevant audio and video materials from the ongoing investigation. These materials have been reviewed by the Travis-County District Attorney's Office for public release.

The shooting involved three APD officers, identified as Detective Christopher Bell, Senior Police Officer Thomas Childress, and Senior Police Officer Bradley Smith. As part of standard protocol, all three officers have been placed on administrative leave. APD will be conducting two concurrent investigations: a criminal investigation led by the APD Special Investigations Unit in partnership with the Travis County District Attorney's Office, and an administrative investigation overseen by the APD Internal Affairs Unit with the Office of Police Oversight providing oversight.

Transparency and accountability are key principles that APD aims to uphold in order to serve and build relationships within the Austin community. To provide a clearer understanding of the incident, a detailed account of the chain of events has been provided.

According to APD, the incident unfolded when officers on patrol in the 6th Street area were alerted by a complainant about an individual attempting to enter a bar with a gun, which is a violation of Texas Penal Code section 46.03. Within minutes, officers arrived at the bar and were informed by an employee that the suspect, later identified as Trei Michael Adriec Hernandez, was carrying a weapon and had refused to be searched before entering. At approximately 11:54 p.m., as officers approached Hernandez, he brandished a firearm and pointed it towards both the officers and innocent bystanders. In response, Detective Christopher Bell, Senior Police Officer Thomas Childress, and Senior Police Officer Bradley Smith discharged their firearms at Hernandez, who also fired his weapon. Hernandez sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During the incident, three bystanders were injured and subsequently transported to the hospital. The APD's Special Investigations Unit, in conjunction with the City of Austin Forensic Sciences Department, is actively investigating whether the injuries sustained by the bystanders were caused by the suspect or the officers.

The entire incident was captured on officers' body-worn cameras, which provide valuable visual evidence of the sequence of events. However, it is important to note that the footage may not capture every detail experienced by the officers and witnesses involved. The released materials, including body-worn camera videos and security camera footage, are available on the APD's YouTube channel and other social media platforms.

APD is encouraging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. They can 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.

As the investigation continues, APD remains committed to fostering trust and maintaining transparency with the Austin community.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.austintexas.gov/news/apd-continues-investigate-officer-involved-shooting-occurred-december-16