Zilker Park, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Authorities have identified Brandon Thompson as the suspect in a shooting at Zilker Park, injuring an Austin police officer and a woman. Thompson faces charges of attempted capital murder and burglary following the incident that occurred during a police check. Officer Adam Reinhart is recovering after surgery, while the woman remains in critical condition. Thompson’s capture followed a manhunt that ended after he was shot by a homeowner during a break-in. The police department is reviewing its alert system and schools increased security measures in response.
Austin
Authorities have identified Brandon Thompson, 30, as the suspect in a shooting incident that left an Austin police officer and a woman injured at Zilker Park early Wednesday morning. Thompson has been charged with attempted capital murder of a peace officer and burglary of a residence, both considered first-degree felonies.
Officer Adam Reinhart, who has served six years with the Austin Police Department, sustained injuries during the incident, which occurred around 4 a.m. in the 700 block of Azie Morton Road. The shooting took place during a park curfew check associated with a stolen vehicle report.
As Officer Reinhart approached Thompson and an unidentified woman who appeared to be concealing something in their hands, Thompson shot the woman in the back of the head before turning his weapon on Officer Reinhart. The woman remains in critical condition, with her current health status undisclosed, while Officer Reinhart underwent immediate surgery and is reported to be in stable condition.
Following the shooting, Thompson fled the scene, igniting a three-hour manhunt through the Barton Hills neighborhood. Authorities launched an extensive search operation, deploying SWAT
Thompson’s capture came after he allegedly broke into a nearby residence, where he was shot in the arm and leg by the homeowner defending his property. The homeowner credited the shelter-in-place alert with saving his life and protecting his family from potential harm.
The Austin Independent School District responded to the situation by increasing security at nearby schools and notifying families about the ongoing events. The Austin Police Department is currently reviewing its alert system’s communication changes to prevent any similar issues in the future.
Incident Overview
- Time and Place: Incident occurred around 4 a.m. at Zilker Park.
- Injuries: Officer Adam Reinhart and an unnamed woman were injured.
- Charges: Brandon Thompson is charged with attempted capital murder and burglary.
Current Conditions
Officer Reinhart is stable following surgery, while the woman’s condition remains critical.
Manhunt and Capture
The manhunt for Thompson resulted in his apprehension following a break-in, where he was shot by the homeowner. The search involved extensive police resources to secure the area.
Police Response and Community Impact
The police department has reviewed its alert protocols, and schools in the vicinity increased security measures during the incident. A communication review is underway to clarify the alert process for future incidents.
FAQs
Who is the suspect in the Zilker Park shooting?
The suspect is Brandon Thompson, a 30-year-old man charged with attempted capital murder and burglary.
What injuries were sustained during the incident?
Officer Adam Reinhart was injured along with an unidentified woman, who sustained life-threatening injuries.
What actions did the police take during the manhunt?
Police deployed SWAT teams, a helicopter, and K-9 units during the extensive search for the suspect.
What was the response from local schools?
The Austin Independent School District increased security measures and sent alerts to families during the incident.
How did the homeowner assist in capturing the suspect?
The homeowner shot Thompson when he broke into their house, aiding law enforcement in his capture.
Incident Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Brandon Thompson, 30 years old |
| Charges | Attempted capital murder, burglary |
| Injured Parties | Officer Adam Reinhart, unnamed woman |
| Incident Location | Zilker Park, Austin |
| Manhunt Time | Three hours |
| Police Response | SWAT, helicopter, K-9 units |
| Community Safety Measures | Increased security at schools |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Austin Police Identify Suspect in Officer-Involved Shooting
Homeowner Confronts Suspect During Dramatic Police Manhunt in Austin
Shooting Incident in Austin Raises Community Safety Concerns
Barton Hills Elementary Responds to Nearby Shooting
Austin Residents Confused by Emergency Alerts Following Shooting Incident
Officer Involved Shooting Near Zilker Park Results in Injuries
Manhunt Underway After Police Officer and Civilian Shot in Austin
Shooting Incident Near Barton Hills Elementary Raises Safety Concerns
Austin Hosts a Weekend of Diverse Events
Additional Resources
- KXAN: Austin Police Officer Injured
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- Statesman: Austin Police Officer Shot
- Google Search: Zilker Park Shooting
- FOX 7: Shooting Suspect Identified
- Google Scholar: Austin Shootings
- KVUE: Suspect Spotted Near School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Event
- CBS Austin: Officer Recovering After Surgery
- Google News: Austin Police Shooting
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