Suspect Captured After Austin Police Officer and Woman Shot Near Zilker Park

Shooting Unfolds in the Early Morning Hours

Austin, Texas — A shooting near Zilker Park early Wednesday morning left a police officer and a woman injured, sparking a large-scale search and shelter-in-place order before authorities confirmed a suspect was taken into custody.

The incident occurred in the 700 block of Azie Morton Road, close to the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. Police presence was heavy in the area surrounding Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake as officers combed through the neighborhood in pursuit of the suspect.

Officer Shot While Investigating Stolen Car

According to officials, the sequence of events began when officers were enforcing a park curfew. They encountered a vehicle reported stolen and called for a tow truck. Most of the officers left to patrol other areas of the park, leaving one officer behind to assist with the tow.

At that point, the officer saw two people emerge from the trees — a man and a woman. Commands were given, but the man raised a gun and fired, hitting the woman in the back of the head. He then turned his weapon on the officer, shooting him as well. The officer returned fire, but the gunman fled.

Emergency Response and Victims’ Conditions

Another officer rushed the injured officer to a nearby hospital, while a colleague stayed with the woman and called for an ambulance. Officials stated that the officer is in stable condition, while the woman’s condition is described as critical.

Police Chief Lisa Davis said, “It is every chief’s nightmare to hear that one of their officers has been shot. I certainly got that feeling this morning when I learned of this. Thankfully, our officer is doing well and is in stable condition.”

Manhunt and Dramatic Capture

The suspect search lasted several hours. The breakthrough came when an Austin Independent School District sergeant reported a suspicious person near a school and called 911. Officers pursued the man into the Barton Hills neighborhood, where he ran into a house.

Inside the home, the suspect was shot in the arm and leg by the homeowner. Authorities later confirmed the suspect is in stable condition and is now in custody.

Concerns Over Alert System

Chief Davis also addressed confusion regarding the alert system. A shelter-in-place order was issued for about 50 minutes but was later downgraded to an “avoid the area” alert, raising concerns.

“I have serious concerns about why that was changed. That should have never happened. I will ensure processes are in place so this does not happen again,” Davis said.

She added that the homeowner who shot the suspect credited the shelter-in-place order for saving his family’s life, as it allowed him to be prepared when the suspect entered his home.

Community Safety and Next Steps

Authorities have urged residents to sign up for future alerts through WarnCentralTexas.org to stay informed in similar emergencies. Police continue to investigate the shooting, the suspect’s motives, and the events leading up to the attack near Zilker Park.