The Austin Police Department (APD) is actively probing into an officer-involved shooting that transpired on May 21. On a recent update, APD has shared comprehensive footage that captures the chronology of events leading to the fatal shooting of Alfonso Gonzales at a Texaco gas station, from the initial identification of a stolen vehicle to the final tragic confrontation.
According to an APD press release, Officer Ryan Nichols, with 16 years under his belt, was the officer who discharged his firearm during the incident. Placed on administrative leave as part of the protocol, his actions are under review, along with footage from Officer James Fabian's body-worn camera intended to shed light on the sequence of incidents that unfolded that Tuesday afternoon.
APD's report indicates that the saga began when an officer observed a stolen vehicle at about 12:36 p.m. Gonzales, upon parking at the Texaco station, was approached by officers but retreated inside the store, armed with a gun. After failing to comply with commands to disarm, the situation escalated, necessitating the response of additional law enforcement and emergency services as Gonzales became barricaded and reportedly made suicidal threats.
In their ongoing commitment to transparency, APD has divulged the tense hours of negotiations that took place, showing Gonzalez's erratic behavior. APD hostage negotiators, equipped with Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, implored Gonzales to surrender peacefully as he brandished lighter fluid and a lighter, and at points discharged his gun at officers, warned of violent intents, and confirmed a hostage scenario.
To the public, APD has made available extensive visual and audio materials, including police radio traffic, body-worn camera footage from Officers Nichols and Fabian, drone videos, and surveillance footage sans audio. These materials, despite necessary redactions to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, can be accessed via APD’s YouTube Channel.
The incident, which spanned several hours and included attempts to rescue a trapped employee, concluded with Officer Nichols discharging his weapon at Gonzales, who was later declared deceased at a local hospital. APD affirms no other injuries occurred during the incident and urges anyone with additional information to contact the Special Investigation Unit or Capitol Area Crime Stoppers.
