The Austin Police Department (APD) is investigating the officer-involved shooting that occurred on December 16, 2023, in the 200 block of East 6th Street.

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.    

Three APD officers discharged their Department-approved firearms. One of the officers is Detective Christopher Bell, and he has 11 years of service with the Department. The second officer is Senior Police Officer Thomas Childress, he has 9 years of service with the Department. The third officer is Senior Police Officer Bradley Smith, who has 13 years of service with the Austin Police Department. Per APD protocol, all three officers have 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 11:52 p.m., officers wearing Austin Police uniforms assigned to the 6th Street patrol area were approached by a complainant who notified them that an individual was attempting to enter a bar with a gun, which is a violation of Texas Penal Code section 46.03, Places Weapons Prohibited.

Less than a minute later, officers arrived at the bar located in the 200 block of East 6th Street. As the officers approached the entrance, an employee of the bar denied entry to the male suspect. The suspect was later identified as Trei Michael Adriec Hernandez. Hernandez moved away from the doorway to an adjacent window. The bar employee told officers that Hernandez did not want to be searched before entering the bar. The bar employee then told officers, “He can’t get in. He’s got a weapon on him.”

At approximately 11:54 p.m., as officers approached Hernandez, he suddenly pulled out a firearm from his front waistband and pointed it in the direction of officers and innocent bystanders. Detective Christopher Bell, Senior Police Officer Thomas Childress, and Senior Police Officer Bradley Smith fired their Department-approved firearms at Hernandez, and Hernandez fired his weapon as well. Hernandez sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased on scene at approximately 12:02 a.m. APD officers and Austin-Travis County EMS provided CPR and rendered aid to Hernandez and other victims on scene.

Three bystanders sustained injuries during the incident. They were transported to the hospital. One received serious injuries, and the other two sustained non-life-threatening injuries. APD officers did not receive any injuries in this incident. APD’s Special Investigations Unit, in conjunction with the City of Austin Forensic Sciences Department, continues the investigation to determine whether the suspect or the officers caused the injuries to the bystanders.

This incident was captured on 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.

Corporal Anthony Allegretti and Senior Police Officer Chad Golding did NOT discharge their Department-approved firearms. However, their body-worn camera videos offer a clearer visual of the sequence of events that transpired.
 
The materials include comprehensive footage of the officers' actions and contain graphic content and language. Viewer discretion is advised.

MATERIALS RELEASED: 
One Police Radio Traffic audio file
Security Camera Footage
Body-worn camera – Corporal Anthony Allegretti (audio delay at the beginning)
Body-worn camera – Senior Police Officer Chad Golding
Body-worn camera – Detective Christopher Bell

All 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.