Austin Police Respond to Carjacking Spree and Fatal Shooting
Austin, Texas — In a dramatic series of events that unfolded last Thursday morning, local police found themselves embroiled in a chaotic situation that led to a fatal shooting. This shocking incident involved a man who led officers on a wild chase, followed by a spree of carjackings and a break-in at an apartment. The details surrounding the events are startling, and the Austin Police Department has released bodycam footage of the incident for public viewing.
How It All Began
The trouble started early in the morning on November 7, around 3:11 a.m., when a local police officer from Bee Cave spotted an orange Ford Ranger speeding in the area of Hwy. 71. Upon activating his emergency lights, the driver, later identified as Zachary Labrie, 27, suddenly sped off, triggering a police chase that would soon involve multiple agencies.
According to the Bee Cave Police Chief, Brian Jones, the officer decided to stop the pursuit for safety reasons when Labrie started driving against traffic in Lakeway. Unfortunately, this decision allowed Labrie to escape, as he careened northbound on FM 620, leaving the officer behind.
A Series of Alarming Crimes
As the night progressed, it became clear that things were turning chaotic. At 3:38 a.m., Labrie was captured on a Ring video doorbell entering the MAA Canyon Creek apartments, carrying a shotgun and wearing a mask. What happened next was even more concerning: he kicked down the door of his ex-girlfriend’s apartment. When police arrived, they learned that she was out of town, fearing for her safety given Labrie’s troubling history of violence.
The situation escalated when, just minutes later at 4:42 a.m., a frantic woman called 911, reporting that a masked man had approached her at a nearby Starbucks, demanding her car. Then, at 6:27 a.m., another call came in from a man stating he had been carjacked at an H-E-B supermarket parking lot.
The Standoff
By this point, police had their eyes set on the suspect. The APD’s Violent Crimes Task Force was already staging near the MAA Canyon Creek apartments when they spotted a man matching Labrie’s description. Officers identified themselves and instructed him to surrender. In a split second, Labrie turned and pointed a handgun at them.
Moments of Chaos
What followed was a tense interaction that lasted only seconds. According to the APD Chief, all involved officers discharged their weapons as Labrie threatened them with the loaded gun. Interestingly, it was revealed that while he had a weapon, it was not loaded. Despite this, the officers believed they were in immediate danger, which was why they continued to fire even as Labrie collapsed to the ground.
Aftermath and Investigation
By 8:47 a.m., the chaos had culminated in tragedy with Labrie’s death announced shortly after. He had been on parole with an ankle monitor, which he had cut off during the chase. Local law enforcement criticized the decision to allow him out on bond, noting a lengthy criminal history, including aggravated assault and family violence.
In the wake of the incident, the three officers and a detective involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave as per APD protocol. The department is set to conduct two investigations – one criminal and one administrative – to examine the events that transpired thoroughly. Chief Davis noted that the details are still preliminary, urging anyone with information to come forward.
A Community on Edge
As Austin grapples with these shocking events, many residents are left questioning how such situations can unfold in their neighborhoods. The impact of the police chase, the ensuing violence, and the tragic outcome have undoubtedly left a mark on the community. As investigations move forward, the local authorities continue to encourage a dialogue about public safety and community support.
