Police Identify Man Killed in Northwest Austin Apartment Complex Shooting
Thomas Dray Price Shot Post Midnight April 27
Police have named 44-year-old Thomas Dray Price as the man shot and killed in an apartment complex in Northwest Austin just after midnight on April 27. The incident did not result in any other injuries, according to interim Police Chief Robin Henderson during a news conference following the shooting.
Sequence of Events
Initial calls to law enforcement on the evening of April 26 complained about loud noise and music emanating from cars situated on the north side of the Summer Grove apartment complex at 7905 San Felipe Blvd., in Williamson County. These calls were logged at 11:34 and 11:42 p.m.
Further distress was signaled when police received another 911 call shortly after midnight. It was reported that Price, who was armed, was pacing around the complex. Witnesses claimed to have heard gunshots and reported that Price was detaining four to five men at gunpoint.
Police Intervention
Shortly after receiving the third emergency call, police arrived at the scene around 12:22 a.m. They promptly began searching the apartment complex for Price and possible victims. The officers first discovered the men callers had identified as being held captive by Price.
Two minutes later, Price became visible, emerging from a building’s breezeway, brandishing a firearm. Despite officers’ commands to drop the gun and raise his hands, Price reportedly raised his weapon and pointed it in the direction of the officers. In response, two officers fired at Price.
Post-Shooting Events
Following the shooting, a SWAT team arrived to secure the apartment where Price had been sighted, though no further individuals were found. Life-saving aid was administered to Price, who was also placed in handcuffs. He was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead at 1:39 a.m.
The tragic event was recorded on officers’ body-worn cameras. In alignment with the Police Department’s policy, the video is expected to be released within the following 10 business days.
Investigations Underway
Two separate investigations regarding the shooting are currently in progress. One is a criminal investigation led by the APD special investigations unit in collaboration with the Williamson County district attorney’s office. The other being an administrative inquiry managed by the APD internal affairs unit, supervised by the Office of Police Oversight.
Per department protocol, the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative duty. Their tenure with the department is reported to be four and two years respectively.