Austin Officer Shot in Zilker Park Gunfight; Homeowner Later Stops Suspect

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An early morning encounter at Zilker Park escalated into a shootout that left an Austin police officer injured, a woman critically wounded, and a suspect finally stopped by an armed homeowner in the Barton Hills neighborhood.

The Confrontation at Zilker Park

According to Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson, officers were checking the park for curfew violations when one came across a stolen vehicle. As a tow truck arrived, the officer spotted a man and woman emerging from the trees.

The officer gave commands. The male suspect raised a firearm, shot the woman in the back of the head, and then opened fire on the officer, striking him.

Despite his injuries, the officer returned fire before being rushed to surgery. He is now in stable condition, per FOX 7 News.

Citywide Manhunt

The suspect fled into dense brush, triggering a massive police response with SWAT, K9 teams, and aerial support.

A nearby Austin ISD sergeant spotted a suspicious man near a school. Officers pursued as the suspect ran into the Barton Hills community and forced his way into a house.

Inside, the homeowner defended himself and shot the intruder, hitting him in the arm and leg. The suspect is also in stable condition and under guard.

Shelter-in-Place Confusion

Police initially issued a shelter-in-place alert, which one homeowner said gave him time to prepare and likely saved his family.

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However, that alert was later changed to “avoid the area,” causing confusion. Chief Henderson said she has serious concerns about that decision and pledged a full review.

The Victims and Next Steps

The unidentified female victim remains in critical condition and, according to Chief Henderson, doctors do not expect a positive outcome.

The officer, a five-year veteran, is being praised for his calm response under fire, which will be shown in a forthcoming critical incident briefing later this week.

Why It Matters

This case shows the razor-thin line between routine policing and chaos. It also demonstrates once again how armed citizens can play a decisive role when violence spills into homes and neighborhoods.

As Chief Henderson said, the officer’s actions were heroic — but the final word on this morning’s violence came from a homeowner who exercised his right to self-defense.

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