Austin Police Department Shooting: Texas Gunman Killed After His Bullets Penetrate Bullet Proof Windows
Authorities fatally shot a man who they say opened fire on the police headquarters in Austin, Texas early Friday morning. He also targeted a U.S. courthouse and the Mexican Consulate, according to Assistant Police Chief Raul Munguia.
Munguia said at a press conference that a bomb squad was also called to search his vehicle, ABC News reports. Officers continued to search the suspect's homes in the Austin-area for any other possible explosives.
Police did not immediately confirm whether there were any explosives found with the man or his belongings. His name was also not initially released.
At 2:20 a.m., 911 calls reported gunfire outside as some bullets struck the police headquarters building, Munguia said. He did not immediately say if the consulate or the courthouse were damaged. Both of these buildings were closed at the time of the gunfire.
An NBC affiliate reporter, Erin Cargile of KXAN, tweeted updates regarding the shooter situation.
"U.S. Marshal tells me there are 30 shell casings in the alley next to federal courthouse. Shots penetrated bullet proof windows," she posted Friday morning.
Eyewitness Hans Paap, who lives in an apartment nearby the police department, said he was woken by the sounds.
"I woke up to a burst of gunfire, heard a second round and then got to the window and saw a third round," he said, NBC News reports. "You could see the muzzle flashes."
Police, hearing reports and the commotion outside, quickly found the shooter.
"An officer outside the building saw the suspect, fired at the suspect, the suspect went down," Munguia said according to ABC News.
Once officers approached the suspect's vehicle, they then saw what looked like an improvised explosive device in the car and that "the suspect was wearing some type of vest," Munguia said. No other details were provided on the garment or device in the vehicle.
A stretch of Interstate 35 for several hours but had reopened later Friday morning.
Police are investigating the suspect's history and trying to determine a motive for the gunfire.
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