Armed Man Killed by Police Officers in North Austin, APD Asking for Photos or Videos of Incident

The Austin Police Department (APD) is actively investigating an officer-involved shooting that transpired on Sunday, October 22, 2023. The APD’s Special Investigations Unit is seeking assistance from the community in gathering photos or videos of the incident. If you have any information about the suspect or the incident, please contact the APD’s Special Investigations Unit at 512-974-6840.

The incident unfolded at 7:55 p.m. when Austin 9-1-1 received a report of an intoxicated individual allegedly threatening a woman with a firearm in the 9000 block of Northgate Boulevard.

At 7:57 p.m., the first APD unit was dispatched to respond to the call. Subsequently, additional information was received, indicating that the individual was holding a woman hostage and was armed with a firearm.

At 8:02 p.m., the first APD officer arrived at the scene, initiated gathering additional information, and began securing the area. It was also revealed that the woman in jeopardy was not his wife and that the suspect, later identified as Cristobal Ordonez Flores, was reportedly pointing the firearm at multiple neighbors.

At 8:19 p.m., a separate caller requested a check-welfare for a child residing in the same apartment complex as the suspect. The caller provided the same apartment number as the location of the suspect.

At 8:32 p.m., APD officers knocked on the suspect’s apartment door and identified themselves as police officers.

At 8:33 p.m., officers commenced making verbal “call-outs,” attempting to establish contact with the suspect in both English and Spanish.

At 8:34 p.m., the suspect was spotted on the balcony holding a firearm. The officers issued verbal commands to the suspect, who then pointed the firearm at them. One officer deployed a Department-approved PepperBall system, while three officers discharged their Department-approved firearms at the suspect. Subsequently, the suspect retreated into the apartment, out of view of the officers. Officers requested SWAT assistance when it became apparent that a woman and child were inside and potentially in danger.

At 8:44 p.m., officers forced entry into the apartment to rescue the woman and child. As they entered the apartment, the suspect fired his firearm at the officers, who returned fire, ultimately shooting the suspect. Despite being instructed to show his hands, the suspect failed to comply, reached for the firearm, pointed it at the officers, and was shot again. The suspect dropped the firearm, and the scene was secured. The woman and child were safely removed from the apartment, and the suspect received medical aid prior to the arrival of Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services (A/TCEMS).

Upon A/TCEMS’s arrival, the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

In total, three APD officers discharged their Department-approved firearms, one officer deployed a Department-approved PepperBall system (non-lethal), and one DPS trooper discharged his Department-approved firearm. Fortunately, no officers or civilians sustained physical injuries.

Multiple officers’ body-worn cameras captured the incident. In accordance with APD policy, videos related to the incident will be released within ten business days. The three APD Officers who discharged their Department-approved firearms have 5 years and 8 months of service with the Department, while the officer who deployed the PepperBall system has 11 months of service. All four officers have been placed on administrative leave, consistent with APD protocol.

The APD will conduct two simultaneous investigations into this incident: a criminal investigation led by the APD Special Investigations Unit and the Texas Rangers, in collaboration 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.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call APD’s Special Investigations Unit at (512) 974-6840 or Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477. For the Capitol Area Crime Stoppers submission, you may submit a tip online at austincrimestoppers.org. You may remain anonymous.