The Austin Police Department (APD) is investigating the officer-involved shooting that occurred on December 5, 2023, in the 5300 block of Austral Loop.  

APD understands the importance of building trust within our community and will continue working diligently to develop a strong and trusting relationship. As per our policy, we share information about a critical incident within ten business days of its occurrence. APD worked with the Office of Police Oversight and the City of Austin to release this information today. The press release includes links to the relevant audio and video from the ongoing investigation. The Travis-County District Attorney's Office reviewed the audio and video materials identified for public release. The details provided today are preliminary, as we are very early in the investigation.     
      
The APD officer who discharged his Department-approved firearm is Detective Joseph Strother. He has 12 years and two months of service with the Austin Police Department. Per APD protocol, the detective has been placed on administrative leave.   
   
APD will conduct two concurrent investigations into this incident: a criminal investigation conducted by the APD Special Investigations Unit in conjunction with the Travis County District Attorney's Office and an administrative investigation conducted by the APD Internal Affairs Unit, with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight.     
      
Transparency and accountability are key elements needed to serve and build relationships within the Austin community. Below is the chain of events related to this critical incident that will help you understand what took place.   

At approximately 6:48 p.m., Austin 911 received a report of a burglary in progress at a residence where the back door was kicked in by a male suspect. Officers were dispatched at approximately 6:50 p.m., to a call titled "Burglary Hot Shot."   

At approximately 6:54 p.m., Detective Strother, who was wearing an Austin Police uniform, arrived at the location and encountered a male suspect in the backyard of the residence. The male, later identified as Shane James Jr., immediately fired several gunshots at Detective Strother.  Immediately, Detective Strother returned fire with his Department-approved firearm in the direction of Mr. James. Detective Strother suffered multiple gunshot wounds, however Detective Strother was able to move to the front of the house away from the gunfire.   

At approximately 6:55 p.m., Officer Khristof Oborski assisted Detective Strother by providing cover and first aid. It was later determined that Mr. James was not struck by gunfire during this incident.  

At approximately 6:58 p.m., Austin-Travis County EMS and the Austin Fire Department were called to the scene to provide medical assistance to Detective Strother.  At approximately the same time that the officers called for EMS, Mr. James fled the scene in a vehicle he had stolen from the residence on Austral Loop.    

At approximately 7:04 p.m., Detective Strother was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, where he was treated and later released to recover at home.    

At approximately 7:14 p.m., after a pursuit with officers, Mr. James crashed the stolen vehicle he was driving at the intersection of SH 45 and FM 1826 and was taken into custody. Mr. James was found to be in possession of a firearm.    

While the vehicle pursuit was in progress, additional officers entered the residence on Austral Loop to check the welfare of anyone inside. Mr. James’ apparent victims, Catherine Short and Lauren Short, were located inside the residence with fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased on scene.     

Mr. James was transported to the Travis County Jail. Charges related to this incident include two counts of Capital Murder and one count of Aggravated Assault against a Public Servant. The APD Homicide Unit is conducting an investigation into this incident and the events leading up to this incident.   

This incident was captured on multiple officers’ body-worn cameras. Body-worn camera videos do not always capture everything the officer or witnesses saw or experienced during the incident; however, the footage helps us understand what occurred.     

In order to protect the integrity of the prosecution, APD will not be releasing the 9-1-1 audio. The materials include comprehensive footage of the officers' actions and contain graphic content and language. Viewer discretion is advised.  

MATERIALS BEING RELEASED:   

One Police Radio Traffic audio file 

Body-worn camera - Detective Joseph Strother   

Body-worn camera - Officer Khristof Oborski   

All of the released materials are available on the Department's YouTube and other social media platforms. The link to the materials is below.     

Please click the link here:  APD’s YouTube Channel

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.