Austin Police Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting on 6th Street, Body-worn Footage Released
The Austin Police Department (APD) is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place on December 16, 2023, in the 200 block of East 6th Street. In accordance with its commitment to transparency, the APD has released preliminary details surrounding the incident within ten business days, along with relevant audio and video materials.
Three officers discharged their Department-approved firearms during the incident. The involved officers are identified as Detective Christopher Bell (11 years of service), Senior Police Officer Thomas Childress (9 years of service), and Senior Police Officer Bradley Smith (13 years of service). All three officers have been placed on administrative leave following APD protocol.
The incident began around 11:52 p.m. when officers were notified by a complainant that an individual, later identified as Trei Michael Adriec Hernandez, was attempting to enter a bar with a firearm, a violation of Texas Penal Code section 46.03. Officers arrived at the scene less than a minute later and were informed by a bar employee that Hernandez was armed and unwilling to be searched before entering.
At approximately 11:54 p.m., as officers approached Hernandez, he produced a firearm from his front waistband and pointed it towards officers and bystanders. In response, Detective Bell, Senior Police Officer Childress, and Senior Police Officer Smith discharged their firearms. Hernandez, who also fired his weapon, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased on the scene at approximately 12:02 a.m.
Three bystanders were injured during the incident and were transported to the hospital, with one sustaining serious injuries and the other two non-life-threatening injuries. The APD Special Investigations Unit, in conjunction with the City of Austin Forensic Sciences Department, is investigating to determine whether the injuries to the bystanders were caused by the suspect or the officers.
The incident was captured on officers’ body-worn cameras, and additional footage from Corporal Anthony Allegretti and Senior Police Officer Chad Golding, who did not discharge their firearms, has been released. Viewer discretion is advised due to the graphic content and language contained in the materials.
To view released material: APD’s YouTube Channel
Anyone with information is encouraged to call APD’s Special Investigation 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.
