By Joanna Putman
Police1
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department released body camera footage and other videos related to an officer-involved shooting of a man who attempted to create a Molotov cocktail in a gas station, CBS Austin reported.
The incident began on May 21 when an APD officer noticed the suspect driving a stolen vehicle, according to the report. The suspect pulled into a Texaco gas station and entered the store with a gun. When the suspect refused commands to drop the weapon, officers retreated and called for a SWAT team after discovering an employee was trapped inside with the armed suspect.
During the standoff, the suspect could be seen pacing around the store with the gun, pouring lighter fluid on the counter, making suicidal threats and firing at officers multiple times. Crisis negotiators attempted to de-escalate the situation using non-lethal tools, but the suspect remained uncooperative, police said
Click below to see full video.
Several hours into the standoff, officers observed the suspect making a Molotov cocktail while still holding the gun, according to police. Believing the trapped employee was in imminent danger, an officer fired his weapon, striking the suspect. Officers then entered the store, rescued the employee and administered medical aid to the suspect. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock described the situation as extremely hostile, emphasizing the challenge faced by officers dealing with an individual actively firing at them and posing a threat to an innocent person.
“It was a very long call - a very, very serious one,” Bullock said.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and APD continues to work closely with relevant oversight bodies to ensure a thorough review, according to the report.
The APD has released comprehensive footage of the incident, including drone footage.