A tragic hostage situation unfolded in South Austin, Texas, early Saturday morning, resulting in the death of a police officer, two victims, and the suspect. The incident began when a woman made a distress call to the Austin Police Department at 2:49 a.m., screaming for help and stating she was being stabbed.
Upon arrival, officers found an injured victim who had managed to escape the residence. Two other victims were still inside with the suspect. The officers identified themselves and made a forced entry into the home at 3 a.m. However, they were met with gunfire from the suspect, forcing them to retreat.
Officer Jorge Pastore, a member of the SWAT team, was fatally wounded during the incident. This marks the first time in a decade that an Austin Police Department officer has been killed in the line of duty. Another officer was injured in the shooting and is currently in stable condition at Dell Seton Medical Center.
The suspect, who was armed with a knife, was eventually fatally shot by SWAT officers. The two victims inside the house were found dead.
In the aftermath of the incident, a rally will be held at City Hall to honor Officer Pastore and his service to the community.