The Austin Police Department (APD) continues to investigate the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at approximately 5:26 p.m., at 1807 West Slaughter Lane.
APD understands the importance of building trust within our community and will continue working diligently to develop a strong and trusting relationship. As per our policy, we share information about a critical incident in a timely manner. APD is working with the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) and the City of Austin to release this information today. The news release includes links to the relevant audio and video from the ongoing investigation. The Travis County District Attorney's Office and OPO have reviewed the audio and video materials identified for public release.
The three officers who discharged their Department-issued firearms have the following years of service with the Department:
Detective Marcus Gonzalez – 8 years, 2 months
Detective Craig Pruitt – 7 years
Detective Ricardo Cardona – 12 years, 5 months
Per APD protocol, the three officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.
APD will conduct two concurrent investigations into this incident: a criminal investigation conducted by the APD Special Investigations Unit in conjunction with the Travis County District Attorney's Office and an administrative investigation conducted by the APD Internal Affairs Unit, with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight.
Transparency and accountability are key elements needed to serve and build relationships within the Austin community. Below is the chain of events related to this critical incident that will help you understand what took place. The details provided are preliminary, as we are very early in the investigation.
In early August, APD burglary detectives identified a suspect, Raymond Lee Howard, born March 18, 1992. Over the course of the month, Mr. Howard committed multiple offenses, including residential burglaries and home invasions, during which various personal property items and firearms were stolen.
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Mr. Howard committed a burglary of residence with a handgun, where the owner was present. Due to the elevated risk posed by Mr. Howard, burglary detectives requested assistance from the Major Crimes Suppression Unit (MCSU).
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m., MSCU detectives conducted a fugitive apprehension operation at 1807 West Slaughter Lane in an effort to take Mr. Howard into custody.
When MCSU detectives arrived at the location, they observed an individual matching the description of Mr. Howard arrive on a motorcycle. Approximately ten minutes later, detectives were able to positively identify the suspect as Mr. Howard.
At approximately 5:26 p.m., Detective Gonzalez, Detective Pruitt, and Detective Cardona entered the business located at 1807 West Slaughter Lane and made contact with Mr. Howard. Officers gave verbal commands for Mr. Howard to get on the ground, and he did not comply. Mr. Howard turned away from the detectives, towards a bystander inside the business, and pulled out a handgun from a crossbody bag. The bystander intervened and physically engaged Mr. Howard, who was still holding the handgun. The bystander later told detectives that he was in fear due to Mr. Howard's actions prior to the shooting, which led the bystander to physically restraining him.
Despite repeated verbal commands, Mr. Howard failed to comply, raised the handgun, and discharged at least one round while falling to floor still physically engaged with the bystander. Detectives discharged their Department-issued firearms, striking Mr. Howard. Detectives detained Mr. Howard and attempted to render aid, but Mr. Howard was pronounced deceased at 5:46 p.m.
The bystander was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, where he was treated and released. No officers or additional individuals were injured in the incident.
This incident was captured on officers' body-worn cameras. Videos do not always capture everything the officers or witnesses saw or experienced during the incident; however, the footage helps us understand what occurred.
In compliance with state law that prohibits the release of certain information and to maintain the integrity of the investigation, the materials have been redacted
