Two individuals caught in the crossfire of a police shooting in downtown Austin have taken legal action against the city and its police department. According to a report by CBS Austin, Nakole Curry, 24, now suffers permanent blindness in her right eye, while Julian Roque, 24, endures lasting leg damage as a result of the incident that occurred on Dec. 16, 2023, outside The Soho Lounge on Sixth Street.
The confrontation began when nightclub employees reported a customer, later identified as 29-year-old Trei Michael Adriec Hernandez, for allegedly carrying a weapon. Upon responding, officers engaged with Hernandez, and gunfire ensued, leading to his death and injuries among three bystanders. According to the complaints filed in the U.S. District Court, excessive force was used by Austin police when they discharged their weapons in a crowded area without first securing the location, CBS Austin reported.
In defense of the officers' actions, Michael Bullock, president of the Austin Police Association, asserted to Fox San Antonio that Hernandez appeared to discharge his weapon at officers before they returned fire. "Officers have a duty to act and no officer ever fires their weapon with the intent of harming innocent lives," Bullock was quoted after police released video footage of the incident in 2024, according to Fox San Antonio.
Both Curry and Roque are seeking compensatory and punitive damages following the harrowing ordeal. Meanwhile, the City of Austin has yet to be formally served with the lawsuit, according to a statement received by CBS Austin. "The City has not yet been served with this lawsuit, but will review it and respond appropriately," the city officials stated, indicating their readiness to address the complaints lodged by those injured in the shooting.
