Austin SWAT Kills Suspect Holding Woman and Child as Hostages

Austin SWAT shot and killed a suspect who was holding a woman and child hostage during a standoff Wednesday.

APD Chief Brian Manley held a press conference Wednesday night, saying none of the responding officers were hurt by gunfire between them and the suspect, and the hostages — a woman and 10-year-old boy — are now safe and unharmed.

The incident began at 5:18 p.m. when police received a call about a car that had crashed into a house.

The suspect reportedly entered the home and took the woman and child hostage. Police told KXAN the hostages did not know the suspect.

Responding officers forced entry into the home and found the suspect, who fired shots at the officers. One of the officers returned fire.

Backup officers and SWAT were called to the scene.

At one point, Manley said a door was open, revealing the child hostage motioning to officers to come inside, telling them there was no one inside the home with him. However, officers saw the suspect shut the door. This was now believed to be an attempt to lure officers inside, according to Manley.

At 6:17 p.m. Manley said the suspect opened the door, and officers saw him. The suspect, who Manley said is believed to be a 21-year-old man, was holding the child in a “hostage position” in front of him.

A SWAT officer fired and hit the man, fatally wounding him.