Police officer, 2 hostages killed overnight in Austin

AUSTIN (CBSNewsTexas.com) - The Austin Police Department is investigating a hostage situation that happened overnight, leaving one officer and two victims dead, with a second officer in stable condition at a local hospital. The suspect is deceased.

During a press briefing Saturday morning, Interim Chief of Police Robin Henderson shared details on the developing story. 

"This has been a very tragic day," she said. "A very tragic incident for all involved."

First responders received a 911 call at 2:49 a.m. coming from 9308 Bernoulli Drive. 

"A caller was screaming for help," Henderson shared. "The caller provided more details and said someone was stabbing her."

Officers arrived at the scene at 2:57 a.m., where they discovered there were two other people injured inside the home with the suspect. Before the officers got there, though, a third victim escaped and was taken to a local hospital.

At 3:00 a.m. officers announced and identified themselves before forcing their way into the home. That's when the suspect started shooting at them. The officers backed out without returning fire. At 3:06 a.m., SWAT was called out to the scene—they arrived another hour later at 4:11. 

The SWAT officers also forced their way into the home, at which point the suspect and officers exchanged gunfire.

At 4:15, it was communicated over radio that two officers had been shot. They were taken to a local hospital, but one of the SWAT officers died from his injuries, according to Mayor Kirk Watson's chief of staff. 

Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson identified the fallen officer as SPO Jorge Pastore.

Pastore joined APD with the 141st Cadet Class on June 24, 2019, and was commissioned as an officer on Jan. 31, 2020. He was an active member of the Honor Guard, SWAT Gold Team, CAST and SRT and patrolled in the Henry and George sectors.  

The second officer is in stable condition.

The two victims inside the home were pronounced dead at the scene, as was the suspect.

Mayor Watson responded to the tragedy on X saying, "My heart and the hearts of Austinites are broken this morning. This is a horrible moment for our city and those who protect us."

As did the City of Austin.  

Gov. Abbott also issued a statement, saying in part, "Hearts across Texas are grieving with the family and loved ones of the Austin Police Officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty early this morning, as well as another who faces a long journey to recovery."

A number of police departments offered their condolences, as well, including Richland Hills Police Department, Grand Prairie Police Department and Grapevine Police Department.

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