Bodycam Footage Shows Moment Police Fatally Shot Man at Northwest Austin Apartment Complex
Austin, Texas Fatal Police Shooting
Bodycam footage revealing the intense moments leading up to the fatal shooting of a 44-year-old man at a Northwest Austin apartment complex has been released. The Austin Police Department tries to shed light on the escalating situation that occurred on April 27. The man, identified as Thomas Dray Price, was killed after reportedly pointing a firearm at two officers, leading them to fire back at him.
The Incident
The incident began in the late night hours of April 26, with non-emergency calls flooding to city services. The concerns revolved around loud noises and music emanating from cars around the Summer Grove apartment complex, situated on 7905 San Felipe Blvd. Between 12:14 a.m. and 12:22 a.m., the situation escalated, with subsequent 911 calls describing Price as armed and roving around the complex. Disturbingly, callers reported hearing gunshots and being held at gunpoint by Price.
Police Response
Upon arrival, officers initiated a search operation for Price and any potential victims. During their investigation, they came across several men. The police instructed one man to approach with his hands above his head and received information from him about Price. Shortly after, they located Price, who emerged from the breezeway of a building.
Police Orders and Compliance
Officers, including Adam Reinhart and Kai Finch, can be heard in the bodycam footage ordering Price to drop his alleged gun and surrender. Reports suggest the orders were also given in Spanish. However, Price failed to comply with these commands, resulting in Reinhart and Finch discharging their firearms at least five times in his direction.
The Aftermath
The footage doesn’t capture the immediate aftermath of the shooting. However, Price was promptly escorted to a hospital where he ceased living around 1:39 a.m. Following the incident, a SWAT team was deployed to probe the apartment from which Price had appeared, but they found no one else. No charges have been filed associated with the shooting as of yet. Officers Finch and Reinhart are currently on administrative duty as per department protocol.
Investigation and Probes
The details of the weapons used by the officers and further specifics of the investigation have been withheld by the police in light of the ongoing inquiries. There are dual investigations being conducted into the shooting — a criminal probe by the Police Department’s special investigations unit in conjunction with the Williamson County district attorney’s office. Additionally, an administrative inquiry managed by the Police Department internal affairs unit is also underway.