The Austin Police Department (APD) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place on September 10, 2025, at around 4:11 a.m. in the 700 block of Azie Morton Road. The incident occurred during a curfew check when officers found a stolen vehicle and called for it to be towed. Officer Adam Reinhart stayed behind as other officers left to patrol nearby areas.
As the tow truck driver prepared to remove the vehicle, two individuals approached, claiming ownership. Officer Reinhart identified himself and instructed them to stop as they moved into a wooded area. One of the individuals, Kay Smith, began walking toward him while Brandon Thompson was told to remove his hands from his pockets. Thompson then fired shots, hitting Smith and Officer Reinhart.
Officer Reinhart returned fire before Thompson fled into the woods. Backup arrived shortly after, and both Smith and Reinhart were taken to local hospitals. Smith was later pronounced brain dead.
A search involving SWAT, AIR1, and K9 units ensued for Thompson. He was spotted near Barton Hills Elementary School, which went into lockdown as a precaution. An Austin Independent School District Police Department sergeant attempted to detain him but he escaped again.
Thompson was eventually located by an APD officer at approximately 7:52 a.m., fleeing towards a home on Homedale Drive where he broke in and was shot by the homeowner. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Thompson faces charges including attempted capital murder of a peace officer and burglary of a residence. The investigation involves both criminal and administrative reviews by APD’s Special Investigations Unit and Internal Affairs Unit with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight.
The released materials include body-worn camera footage from Officer Reinhart along with police radio traffic audio available on YouTube and social media platforms: September 10, 2025 – Critical Incident – YouTube. The footage has been redacted according to state law requirements.
For further information or tips regarding this case, contact APD’s Special Investigation Unit or Capitol Area Crime Stoppers anonymously through their website austincrimestoppers.org.
Information from this article can be found here.
