Austin, Texas – A police officer was killed, and another was injured in a shootout during a hostage situation in Austin, Texas, early Saturday. The suspect, who had taken hostages, opened fire on the officers and was later found dead, along with two other individuals who suffered fatal injuries.
The incident began when a distressed woman called 911 at 2:49 a.m. to report that someone was stabbing her at a residence on the city’s south side. Responding officers learned that there were two hostages inside the home, as the woman who escaped had suffered stab wounds. She was rushed to the hospital and is expected to survive.
At 3 a.m., officers entered the home to rescue the hostages but were met with gunfire from the suspect. The officers retreated and called in the SWAT team. During a second attempt to enter the home at 4:11 a.m., the suspect opened fire again, injuring two officers. The SWAT team returned fire and struck the suspect. Both injured officers were transported to the hospital, where one remains in stable condition. Tragically, the other officer, identified as Senior Police Officer Jorge Pastore, succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the other victims or their relationship to the suspect, who also remains unnamed. Police Interim Chief Robin Henderson expressed her gratitude for the bravery displayed by the officers and first responders, as well as the medical staff who treated the injured officers.
Neighbors in the area were instructed to shelter in place during the incident. Marion Hailey, who lives nearby, recounted how officers urged her to leave her home due to the presence of a gunman. She complied, leaving with her cat and spending three hours in a police car.
Officer Pastore, who joined the police academy in 2019 and became a full-time officer last year, is survived by his wife, two stepsons, parents, and two sisters. Former Austin police officer and president of the Austin Police Retired Officers Association, Dennis Farris, described Pastore as someone with a “big personality” and lamented the loss of a true hero.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott offered his condolences, tweeting, “We pray for this hero’s family, the injured officer undergoing surgery, & the entire Austin Police Dept during this difficult time. Texas owes a tremendous debt to those who protect & serve.”
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and further details have yet to be released.