Austin Police Releases Video of Officer-Involved Shooting That Killed Burglary Suspect

AUSTIN, Texas—The Austin Police Department (APD) has released body-worn camera footage and other materials related to an officer-involved shooting that occurred on August 28, resulting in the death of a burglary suspect and injury to a bystander.

The incident took place at approximately 5:26 p.m. at a business at 1807 West Slaughter Lane. According to APD, detectives from the Major Crimes Suppression Unit were conducting a fugitive apprehension operation to arrest Raymond Lee Howard, 33, who was wanted for multiple residential burglaries and a home invasion where he had a handgun.

When detectives made contact with Howard, he did not comply with verbal commands to get on the ground. He then turned toward a bystander and pulled a handgun from a crossbody bag. The bystander, later identified as Fernando Martinez, physically engaged with Howard, who was still holding the handgun.

Despite repeated commands, Howard allegedly raised the gun and fired at least one round while falling to the floor. The three detectives—Marcus Gonzalez, Craig Pruitt, and Ricardo Cardona—discharged their firearms, striking Howard. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The bystander was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. APD Chief Lisa Davis has praised the bystander’s actions, calling him a “hero.”

August 28, 2025 – Critical Incident – YouTube

Per APD protocol, all three officers have been placed on paid administrative leave. The incident is under two concurrent investigations: a criminal investigation by the APD Special Investigations Unit and an administrative investigation by the APD Internal Affairs Unit, with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight.