The Austin Police Department (APD) is rigorously probing the officer-involved shooting that went down last month. The shootout, which transpired on December 16, 2023, saw a suspect named Trei Michael Adriec Hernandez fatally shot after he allegedly brandished a firearm at officers and passed civilians. The encounter led to Hernandez's death and injuries to three uninvolved individuals, reported by the Austin Police Department.
Stressing the need for community trust, the APD made both audio and video evidence from the situation public within ten days of the shootout, albeit with a reminder that their investigation remains in its infancy. The footage, released on January 3rd, features body-cam clips from several officers present during the fatal engagement, and it also includes security camera coverage of the incident. The materials are loaded with raw and potentially upsetting content, for which viewers are cautioned, according to the Austin Police Department.
Detailing their approach to transparency, APD has placed the three officers involved—Detective Christopher Bell with 11 years on the force, Senior Police Officer Thomas Childress who's a 9-year veteran, and Senior Police Officer Bradley Smith boasting 13 years of service under their belts—on administrative leave. The department's investigative processes include both a criminal inquiry alongside the Travis County District Attorney's Office and an administrative review led by the APD Internal Affairs Unit, with the Office of Police Oversight, keeping an eye on proceedings, as per the Austin Police Department.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call APD’s Special Investigation Unit at (512) 974-6840 or Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477. For the Capitol Area Crime Stoppers submission, you may submit a tip online at austincrimestoppers.org. You may remain anonymous.
