AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin Police Department (APD) officer has died and another is injured after a shooting on Bernoulli Drive in South Austin early Saturday morning. Two civilians are also dead, as is the suspect.
On Saturday evening, the officer was identified as Jorge Pastore, a three-year officer with the department.
Just before 3 a.m., Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson said a 911 call came in from a caller who was screaming for help and said someone was stabbing a woman at a home at 9308 Bernoulli Dr. Officers responded to the call and were notified that there were two people injured inside the home, with the suspect.
Henderson said a third victim was able to escape from the home and was located by police and Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) in the neighborhood. She told police that the suspect still had a knife. ATCEMS took her to a local hospital for her injuries just after 3 a.m.
Based on the information provided by that victim, Henderson said officers made emergency forced entry into the home to rescue the other two victims. Before officers made entry, Henderson said they announced themselves and identified themselves as Austin police officers.
As the officers entered the home, Henderson said they were fired upon by the suspect. They then backed out of the home and did not return fire at that time.
At approximately 3:06 a.m., SWAT officers were called out to the scene. Residents of the area were evacuated from their homes and asked to go to nearby Cowan Elementary School for safety.
At approximately 4:11 a.m., SWAT officers arrived on the scene and officers forced entry into the home for a second time. The suspect again immediately fired his gun at the officers, according to Henderson.
The SWAT officers returned fire at approximately 4:15 a.m. During the exchange of gunfire, information was provided over the radio that two officers had been shot and those officers were transported to a hospital by ATCEMS.
The suspect succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead. Henderson confirmed that an APD officer, Officer Pastore, also died from his injuries. A memo posted by Mayor Kirk Watson's chief of staff stated that he was a member of the SWAT team.
The memo stated that the second officer was in surgery at around 7 a.m. Henderson later confirmed that officer is now in stable condition.
Henderson also confirmed that two apparent victims of the suspect were located inside of the home with fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
On Saturday evening, Henderson identified Pastore as the officer killed, saying on X, formerly known as Twitter, "My heart is heavy today. Please help me and our APD family pay tribute to SPO Jorge Pastore for his brave & heroic actions. Sir, we’ll take it from here. Thanks for all the prayers & thoughts. Continue to keep the Pastore family and our second Officer injured in your prayers."
Pastore began his career with APD on June 24, 2019, with the 141st Cadet Class and was commissioned as an Austin police officer on Jan. 31, 2020. He served patrolling in Henry and George sectors, while also a team member of the Honor Guard, SWAT Gold Team, CAST and SRT, APD said.
Officer Pastore is survived by his wife, two stepsons, parents and two sisters.
Henderson said this incident was captured on body-worn camera, and multiple APD officers discharged their weapons. Those officers will not be identified at this time.
APD will conduct two concurrent investigations into this incident: a criminal investigation conducted by the department's Special Investigations Unit in conjunction with the Travis County District Attorney's Office and an administrative investigation conducted by APD's Internal Affairs Unit with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight.
Henderson thanked the first responders who responded to the scene and the medical staff who treated APD's officers, adding, "I'd also like to highlight the incredible bravery displayed by our officers day in and day out. I could not be more proud of their heroic actions."
This is the first time in a decade that an APD officer has been shot and killed in the line of duty. The last time was in April 2012 when Brandon Daniel shot and killed Officer Jaime Padron.
At 8:45 a.m. Saturday, Mayor Watson released the following statement on social media:
"My heart and the hearts of Austinites are broken this morning. This is a horrible moment for our city and those who protect us. I'm praying for the family of our fallen officer, for the officer who was shot and in surgery and his family. We rely on brave people who are in harm's way when they are serving us. We should never lose sight of that. This event jarringly brings home that truth. The danger and potential loss is not theoretical – it is very, very real. I thank these courageous public servants and ask that our community hold them close, support them, respect them, and lift them up in prayer. And let us all come together as we deal with this loss."
Gov. Greg Abbott also issued a statement:
"Hearts across Texas are grieving with the family and loved ones of the Austin Police Officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty early this morning, as well as another who faces a long journey to recovery. This tragedy is a reminder of the great risks and selfless leadership our law enforcement officers exercise every day to serve and protect their communities. Cecilia and I ask our fellow Texans to join us in lifting up in prayer the family and loved ones of the officer who was killed, the officer undergoing surgery, and the entire Austin Police Department during this difficult time."
Below are additional statements that have been released by city council members and local agencies:
Interim City Manager Jesús Garza
"Our officers put their lives on the line every day serving the people of Austin. But that fact makes it no less devastating when we lose someone in the line of duty.
"Our Police Department is still in the early stages of investigating what happened early this morning but, for now, our hearts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the officer who lost his life, and our fervent prayers are with the officer in the hospital for his full recovery.
"This is a crushing blow for the sworn and civilian members of the Austin Police Department. The bonds there are tight and run deep. We are here to support them during this difficult time of grief and loss."
Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes (District 2)
"I am so sorry to hear about the tragic incident involving our Austin Police officers. My thoughts are with the fallen officer, the wounded officer, their families, and their APD colleagues during this difficult time. I'm praying for the families affected by this horrific loss, and for a speedy recovery for our injured officer. I appreciate and am grateful for the dedication and service our officers do each and every day to keep our community safe."
Councilmember Ryan Alter (District 5)
"My deepest condolences to the families of the fallen officer and victims of this horrible crime. [Austin police] place their lives on the line daily to protect our communities. I share your grief and wish our injured officer a full recovery."
Councilmember Mackenzie Kelly (District 6)
"My heart goes out to the families of the officers who have been affected by the devastating events that unfolded today [Saturday]. The unwavering dedication and sacrifice they made in their service to the community will always be remembered and deeply valued. Mayor Watson, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continuous efforts in keeping us informed during this incredibly challenging and sorrowful time."
Travis County District Attorney's Office
"On behalf of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, all our hearts break for the fallen officer, the wounded officer, and the victims involved in the tragic incident this morning. We are praying for their families and the speedy recovery of the wounded officer.
We are grateful for all of the members of APD who work tirelessly to keep our community safe, especially during these difficult times."
Travis County Sheriff's Office
"We offer our deepest sympathies to our colleagues and friends at APD for their tragic loss. We extend hope and prayers for a speedy recovery to the injured officer and hold both families in our hearts."
CLEAT (Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas)
"Heartbreaking news this morning as one of our members and Austin Police Officer was tragically killed and another injured. We’re praying for [Austin police], family and friends who are grieving, and for the strength and recovery of the injured officer."
Austin Police Retired Officers Association
"Our hearts are heavy this morning with the news of one of our brothers with APD having been shot and killed in the line of duty. Please pray for his family all the APD family and for the speedy recovery of a second officer wounded in the same incident."
As of 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Austin ISD Police confirmed that the residents who were evacuated from the neighborhood had returned to their homes. As of 10:50 a.m., roads were still closed at the intersection of Bernoulli Drive and Notches Drive, and at the intersection of Bernoulli Drive and Nesbit Drive.