On Friday, September 27, 2024, at approximately 3:50 p.m., Austin 911 received several calls reporting a shooting at the HEB located at 500 Canyon Ridge Drive. Initially reported as an active shooter situation, it was later clarified that this was not the case. An additional caller reported that a subject was shoplifting and lunged at a security guard with a knife. The caller stated the security guard attempted to tase the subject before shooting him.
Officers responded to the scene and performed life-saving measures. The subject was transported to Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Austin but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 6:20 p.m.
The shooter was identified as Warren Owusu, a uniformed security officer. The victim was identified as Michael Rosario Jr.
Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists processed the scene and interviewed witnesses. The investigation revealed that Mr. Owusu attempted to have Rosario exit the store when Rosario displayed a knife and armed himself with a hubcap used as a shield. Mr. Owusu's attempt to use a taser on Rosario was ineffective, leading Rosario to charge at Mr. Owusu while still displaying the knife. Mr. Owusu then discharged his firearm, shooting Rosario.
This is an ongoing investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS or submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.
This case is being investigated as Austin's 47th homicide of 2024.