An investigation is underway by the Austin Police Department (APD) following an officer-involved shooting that left a man wounded during an early morning disturbance on April 6, the department reported. The chaos unfolded after a 9-1-1 call alerted authorities to a ruckus at an apartment located at 3050 Tamarron Boulevard; within minutes, police were dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers canvassed the complex and spotted, through a sliding glass door, a confrontation between two men, one of whom was Avelino Medel II, later identified as being armed, this detail was made clear when the first responding officer sighted him with a gun and then, as he made his way to the front door where fellow officers had identified themselves, a firearm was discharged striking him. In tandem, officers rushed to assist their colleague at the rear, providing verbal commands to Medel after he fell and ensuring the second male party involved was unharmed.
Medel, now recovering after the incident resulted in non-life-threatening injuries, was transported to a local hospital by 2:30 a.m. and released the following day; as of now, no charges have been filed, the incident is under looming scrutiny, with an ongoing investigation, according to the APD press release. Officers' body-worn camera footage, set to be unveiled within ten business days as per department protocol, captured the incident, while the officer who discharged his weapon has been on the force for only seven months.
Two separate inquiries are in play: a criminal probe by the APD's Special Investigations Unit in concert with the Travis County District Attorney's Office and an internal probe by APD's Internal Affairs, monitored by the Office of Police Oversight any person holding information is propelled to reach out to APD's Special Investigation Unit at (512) 974-6840 or they can alternatively submit tips anonymously through Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 or online.
