Austin, September 13, 2025

News Summary

A tragic shooting incident occurred near Zilker Park in Austin, resulting in the death of Kay Smith and injuries to Officer Adam Reinhart. The incident began when Officer Reinhart approached a reported stolen vehicle. The suspect, Brandon Thompson, opened fire, leading to a manhunt and subsequent investigations by the Austin Police Department, raising concerns about gun violence and community safety.

Austin

A woman was shot and killed, and a police officer was injured in a shooting incident early Wednesday morning, September 10, near Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Brandon Thompson, has been charged with attempted capital murder of a police officer and burglary of a residence.

The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when Officer Adam Reinhart spotted a car that had been reported stolen while performing curfew checks at Zilker Park. Officer Reinhart remained on the scene as a tow truck arrived for the stolen vehicle. During this time, Thompson, along with a woman identified as Kay Smith, emerged from a nearby wooded area claiming ownership of the vehicle.

As Officer Reinhart approached and identified himself, Thompson pulled out a gun and shot Smith in the back of the head before also firing at Officer Reinhart, striking him in the abdomen. Smith was later pronounced brain dead at a nearby hospital, triggering a chilling response from local authorities and raising concerns about gun violence in the community.

Thompson fled the scene, leading law enforcement on a three-hour manhunt throughout the Barton Hills neighborhood. In the course of the search, he broke into a home on Homedale Drive, where he was shot in the arm and leg by the homeowner. Thompson was subsequently hospitalized and is expected to survive his injuries.

The Austin Police Department (APD) has launched concurrent investigations: a criminal investigation by the Special Investigations Unit and an administrative investigation by Internal Affairs with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight. Both APD Chief Lisa Davis and Austin ISD Police Chief Wayne Sneed emphasized the importance of learning from this tragic incident to improve communication protocols in future situations.

Officer Reinhart, who is a six-year veteran of the APD, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations. The department is facing public frustration regarding repeat offenses by known criminals, such as Thompson, who has a criminal background, bringing attention to the need for proactive law enforcement measures.

During the manhunt, the Austin Independent School District (ISD) implemented a lockdown at Barton Hills Elementary School, causing confusion among parents and residents due to a shelter-in-place order that was initially issued. This incident has raised significant questions regarding communication breakdowns and safety protocols during rapidly developing situations.

In response, APD and the Austin ISD plan to conduct tabletop exercises aimed at enhancing safety protocols and communication strategies for handling future emergencies. Both departments are committed to ensuring the community’s safety and learning from the events of September 10.

Incident Summary

• Date and Location: September 10, near Zilker Park
• Key Individuals: Brandon Thompson (suspect), Kay Smith (deceased), Officer Adam Reinhart (injured)
• Charges: Attempted capital murder, burglary of a residence
• Injuries: Officer Reinhart – gunshot wound to the abdomen; Kay Smith – brain dead
• Law Enforcement Response: Manhunt, searches, lockdowns
• Investigations: Ongoing criminal and administrative inquiries by APD

Background Context

The shooting incident not only raises significant concerns about community safety but also highlights broader issues regarding gun violence and the consequences of criminal behavior. As authorities work towards resolving this case, the impact on the community and the police department continues to develop.

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HERE Resources

Officer-Involved Shooting in Austin Leaves One Dead and One Injured
Shooting Incident at Zilker Park Injures Officer and Woman
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

Additional Resources

• Austin American-Statesman
• Wikipedia: Zilker Park
• KVUE News
• Google Search: Austin Police Shooting
• KXAN News
• Google Scholar: Police Shooting Procedures
• FOX 7 Austin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
• CBS Austin
• Google News: Zilker Park 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.