Austin Police Officer Shot At During Service Call

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Police Department is investigating after a police officer was shot at while responding to a call for service on Thursday, officials said.

According to the Austin Police Department, the officer responded to an alarm call just after midnight near Travis Green Lane and Hero Drive in the southwest portion of Austin. Once at the scene, according to the police department, the officer while in his patrol car noticed a passing vehicle had duct tape obstructing the license plate. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop but the driver sped off at a high speed while several shots were fired at the officer, according to an advisory.

During the short pursuit, police said, the suspect began to drive on the wrong side of the roadway — prompting officers in pursuit to end the chase. The suspect’s vehicle was located a short time later crashed and abandoned at a nearby apartment complex parking lot, police said, after which time a perimeter was set up and a search ensued.

The suspect was not located, police added, and no suspect information is currently available. Police also did not provide a description of the suspect's vehicle. No injuries were reported.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to contact detectives at (512) 974-5245 Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or use the new Crime Stoppers App. Tips also can be submitted by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.