Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirms a 17-year-old teen was fatally shot in a potential suicide by police incident.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis reported that a 17-year-old teen was killed in a northeast Austin shooting early Friday morning. The incident occurred in the 10100 block of Baden Lane after a 911 call reported a young person brandishing a firearm. Officers arrived at a park and encountered the teen, who responded to verbal commands by lifting his sweatshirt and reaching into his waistband. Officers Jake Pitcher, Alexis Cruz, and Avery Zucchi opened fire, believing the teen was reaching for a gun. However, investigators later discovered a water bottle was in his waistband instead of a firearm. Because the teen had placed the call himself, Chief Lisa Davis stated the incident was likely a "suicide by police." The three officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. While the Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock noted the exact number of shots is under investigation, Chief Lisa Davis emphasized that the officers made a split-second decision based on the initial report. The department is currently conducting both criminal and administrative investigations.