In the early hours of Saturday, a suspect, who had taken hostages, opened fire on Austin, Texas, police officers, resulting in the tragic death of one officer and injuries to another during a SWAT shootout. After the gunfire ceased, authorities discovered the suspect shot dead, and two individuals with fatal injuries.
The incident unfolded at 2:49 a.m. when a distressed woman called 911, reporting a stabbing at a residence on the city's south side.
Arriving minutes later, officers learned of two hostages inside, identified through a woman with stab wounds who managed to escape.
The injured woman was promptly taken to the hospital, where she is expected to recover. At 3 a.m., officers forcibly entered the home to rescue the hostages, but the suspect opened fire. The officers, unharmed and refraining from returning fire, retreated and summoned SWAT.
SWAT entered the home at 4:11 a.m., and the suspect resumed shooting, injuring two officers. SWAT officers fired back, striking the suspect.
Both injured officers were rushed to the hospital, with one in stable condition, but the other, Senior Police Officer Jorge Pastore, could not be saved. Interim Chief Robin Henderson, fighting back tears, expressed the tragic nature of the incident during a press conference.
The unidentified victims and their relationship to the suspect remain undisclosed. Henderson acknowledged the bravery of officers and first responders, along with the medical staff's efforts to save lives. Neighbors were instructed to shelter in place, with one resident recounting being evacuated due to a nearby gunman.
Pastore, who joined the police academy in 2019 and became a full-time officer in January 2020, served as a patrol officer, honor guard member, and SWAT Gold Team participant. He leaves behind a wife, two stepsons, parents, and two sisters.
Dennis Farris, president of the Austin Police Retired Officers Association, lamented the loss of a promising officer, describing Pastore as having a "big personality" and emphasized the impact of his premature departure on the community.
Condolences poured in from across Texas, including Governor Greg Abbott, who expressed prayers for the hero's family, the injured officer, and the entire Austin Police Department on social media.
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