AUSTIN, Texas — Police identified the 17-year-old fatally shot by officers in northeast Austin early Friday morning as Anthoneil Williams II.
Williams was shot by Officers Jake Pitcher, Alexis Cruz and Avery Zucchi after officers responded to a 911 call reporting a person with what appeared to be a gun in his waistband in the 10100 block of Baden Lane, according to the Austin Police Department. Body camera footage showed Williams reaching toward his waistband after being told to keep his hands up.
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No firearm was found. Police said a water bottle had been in his waistband.
Investigators also determined the 911 call had come from Williams’ own phone, leading police to believe the shooting was potentially a suicide by police. The three officers have been placed on administrative leave.
APD is conducting both a criminal investigation with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office and an internal administrative review.
Anyone with information is asked to call APD’s Special Investigations Unit at (512) 974-6840 or contact Capital Area Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-8477.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available by calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.