The Austin Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place on September 10, 2025, in the 700 block of Azie Morton Road. The incident began around 3:31 a.m. when officers were conducting a curfew check in Zilker Park and found a vehicle reported as stolen. Officer Adam Reinhart, who has served with APD for over six years, remained at the scene to wait for a tow truck while other officers patrolled nearby areas.
As the tow truck driver prepared to remove the vehicle, two individuals approached claiming ownership of the car. Officer Reinhart later identified these individuals as Kay Smith and Brandon Thompson. When Officer Reinhart encountered them near a wooded area, he issued commands for them to stop and announced that they were detained.
According to APD, “Officer Reinhart gave commands to a male subject behind Ms. Smith, later identified as Brandon Thompson, 30 years of age, telling him to get his hands out of his pocket.” Shortly after this exchange, Mr. Thompson fired shots that struck Ms. Smith in the head and Officer Reinhart in the abdomen. Officer Reinhart returned fire before Mr. Thompson fled into the woods.
Backup arrived within minutes, and both Officer Reinhart and Ms. Smith were transported to local hospitals. Officer Reinhart was treated for his injuries; Ms. Smith was pronounced braindead later that day.
A search involving SWAT, AIR1, K9 units, and support from the Austin Independent School District Police Department (AISD PD) followed. At approximately 7:44 a.m., Barton Hills Elementary School went into lockdown after AISD PD reported seeing someone matching Mr. Thompson’s description near campus.
APD stated: “An AISD sergeant recognized the person who had the same description as the suspect involved in the earlier shooting… however, Mr. Thompson continued to run.” He was later seen by an APD officer around 7:52 a.m., fled toward a home on Homedale Drive, forced entry into the residence, and was shot by the homeowner in the arm and leg.
Mr. Thompson was taken to a hospital where he remains in stable condition and faces charges including Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer and Burglary of a Residence—both first-degree felonies—with additional charges pending.
No other injuries were reported among civilians or law enforcement during this incident. The handgun used by Mr. Thompson has been recovered as evidence.
All actions during this event were captured on body-worn camera footage from Officer Reinhart and recorded police radio traffic audio. The materials have been reviewed by both APD’s Office of Police Oversight (OPO) and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office prior to public release; some content has been redacted according to state law requirements.
“Transparency and accountability are key elements needed to serve and build relationships within the Austin community,” said APD officials regarding their ongoing investigation efforts with oversight from OPO.
The released video materials are available on APD’s YouTube channel for public viewing at September 10, 2025 – Critical Incident – YouTube.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact APD’s Special Investigation Unit or submit tips anonymously through Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at https://austincrimestoppers.org/.
