AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police released body camera footage Tuesday showing three detectives fatally shooting a burglary suspect at a South Austin business last week.
The Aug. 28 shooting killed Raymond Lee Howard, 33, and injured bystander Fernando Martinez, who tackled Howard after he drew the weapon during an undercover operation at 1807 West Slaughter Lane.
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Body camera video shows detectives entering the business and ordering Howard to get on the ground. Howard instead backed toward Martinez and pulled a handgun from a bag, prompting Martinez to physically engage him. Howard fired at least one round during the struggle before the three detectives opened fire.
Martinez was hospitalized overnight with non-life-threatening injuries. Police said it remains under investigation whether his injuries came from Howard’s gun or police bullets.
Howard had been wanted in connection with multiple burglaries and home invasions throughout August in South Austin and Buda, police said. The shooting occurred during an operation in which detectives were attempting to purchase stolen goods from Howard.
The three officers involved were identified as Detectives Marcus Gonzalez, Craig Pruitt and Ricardo Cardona. They have been placed on paid administrative leave.
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office and Austin police Internal Affairs are conducting separate investigations.
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