Austin, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Brandon Thompson has been identified as the suspect in an officer-involved shooting in Austin. He faces serious charges, including attempted capital murder. The incident occurred after police discovered a stolen vehicle, leading to Thompson allegedly shooting both a woman and a police officer. Thompson is currently hospitalized under police custody following a brief manhunt where a homeowner intervened. The shooting has raised concerns within the community regarding effective emergency response measures.
Austin police have identified 30-year-old Brandon Thompson as the suspect involved in an officer-involved shooting incident that occurred on September 10, 2023, in the 700 block of Azie Morton Road, near Zilker Park. Thompson faces serious charges, including attempted capital murder of a peace officer and burglary of a residence. He is currently hospitalized and under police custody.
The incident began early Wednesday morning when Austin Police Department (APD) officers conducting enforcement of a park curfew discovered a stolen vehicle. While processing paperwork related to the vehicle, officers encountered Thompson, who allegedly shot a woman in the back of the head before firing upon responding officers.
Thompson’s violent actions prompted an extensive manhunt. The search culminated when Thompson broke into a nearby home, where the homeowner shot him in the arm and leg. The homeowner’s decision to intervene was reportedly influenced by a brief shelter-in-place order that had been issued for the area.
Senior Officer Adam Reinhart, who has served with the APD for over six years, was one of the individuals injured during this confrontation. Officer Reinhart underwent surgery and is now in stable condition. The woman shot by Thompson remains in critical condition with officials expressing grim concerns about her prognosis.
In the wake of the shooting, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis raised alarms regarding the effectiveness of the shelter-in-place order issued for the area before Thompson was apprehended. The order lasted approximately 15 minutes before being downgraded to an “avoid the area” warning. It has been noted that this decision led to confusion among residents regarding their safety during a precarious situation.
A substantial array of police resources including SWAT teams, K-9 units, and aerial surveillance were deployed in the search for Thompson. The initial encounter with police occurred when a lone officer spotted Thompson and a female accomplice emerging from the trees. As commands were given for both individuals to show their hands, Thompson allegedly raised a firearm and discharged it, injuring both the officer and the woman.
Authorities indicate that additional charges against Thompson may follow as investigations proceed. Thompson has a documented criminal record, including prior arrests for possession of a controlled substance and evading police. The community has been urged to sign up for alerts through Warn Central Texas to stay informed about safety notices.
Key Incident Summary
- Incident Date: September 10, 2023
- Location: 700 block of Azie Morton Road, Austin
- Suspect: Brandon Thompson
- Charges: Attempted capital murder, burglary
- Injured Officer: Adam Reinhart (stable condition)
- Victim: Woman shot (critical condition)
- Response Units: SWAT, K-9, aerial support
- Shelter-in-place Order Duration: Approximately 15 minutes
Background
The incident escalated when officers discovered a stolen vehicle amid park curfew enforcement. Thompson’s known violent behavior raised concerns and highlighted the urgency of law enforcement’s response. This tragic event has drawn attention to the need for effective communication and safety protocols during emergencies in the community.
FAQ
Who is Brandon Thompson?
Brandon Thompson is a 30-year-old suspect charged with attempted capital murder of a peace officer and burglary following an officer-involved shooting incident in Austin.
What happened during the shooting incident in Austin?
The shooting began when officers enforcing a park curfew discovered a stolen vehicle and encountered Thompson, who opened fire, injuring a woman and a police officer.
What is the current condition of the individuals injured in the incident?
Officer Adam Reinhart is in stable condition following surgery, while the woman Thompson shot is critically injured with an uncertain prognosis.
What actions are being taken to ensure public safety in the area?
Public safety measures include issuing alerts through Warn Central Texas and an investigation into the timely effectiveness of emergency orders.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Brandon Thompson, age 30 |
| Charges | Attempted capital murder, burglary |
| Injured Officer | Senior Officer Adam Reinhart |
| Condition of Officer | Stable after surgery |
| Condition of the Victim | Critical condition |
| Response Teams | SWAT, K-9, aerial support |
| Shelter-in-place Duration | 15 minutes |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Homeowner Confronts Suspect During Dramatic Police Manhunt in Austin
Shooting Incident in Austin Raises Community Safety Concerns
Tragic Incident at Evergreen High School: A Community in Shock
Barton Hills Elementary Responds to Nearby Shooting
U.S. Education Secretary Visits AI-Powered Alpha School
University of Texas at Austin Ranks Among America’s Top Colleges
U.S. Secretary of Education Visits Alpha School to Examine AI Integration
Uncertain Future for Schools in Austin ISD
Austin Residents Confused by Emergency Alerts Following Shooting Incident
Officer Involved Shooting Near Zilker Park Results in Injuries
Additional Resources
- Fox 7 Austin: Suspect in Austin Officer-Involved Shooting Identified
- Wikipedia: Austin
- KVUE: Suspect in Austin Officer-Involved Shooting Identified
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Police
- CBS Austin: Fifth Officer-Involved Shooting in Austin
- Google Scholar: Austin Police Shooting
- Spectrum Local News: Shooting Leaves 1 Police Officer and Another Person Injured
- Google Search: Austin Police Shooting Incident
- Statesman: Zilker Park Shooting in Austin Today
- Google News: Austin Police Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
