PFLUGERVILLE, Texas — The Travis County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect killed in a shooting involving an off-duty Austin Police officer last Friday as Jefferson Josue Rodas of Pflugerville.

Officials say Rodas walked into Seven Fades Hair Studio in Pflugerville last Friday and opened fire before the off-duty officer returned fire, striking and killing Rodas.

Rojer Denovo, who said he was sitting outside Red’s Smoking BBQ on Friday evening, said he heard about eight gunshots, something he described as unusual for the area.

“And then I heard cars coming by, like 12 cops. And then I saw a murder truck,” Denovo said. “And so I just saw that it was a big scene.”

The Travis County Sheriff’s Office said a second person was shot in the incident and fled to a nearby home to ask for help.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis praised the officer’s actions, saying, “He absolutely was a hero and probably saved multiple lives inside this barbershop.”

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Michael Bullock, president of the Austin Police Association, agreed.

“I have no doubts that if it weren’t for him, we’d be looking at homicides or multiple people that are injured as a result of a guy actively shooting inside of a business. So, absolutely heroic effort on his behalf,” Bullock said.

Bullock said the officer’s response reflected training and preparation.

“They’re always preparing mentally for what may come. It may never come, but this highlights that sometimes it does, and if you’re not prepared for it, then you’re not going to be able to act as we should, and this officer was very prepared,” Bullock said.

Bullock said he has spoken with the officer since the incident. “He’s doing great, and so he has done a phenomenal job both the night of and afterwards,” he said.

Denovo also credited the officer for preventing the situation from becoming worse. “It was good the cop was there, it was good, because it wouldn’t be worse,” he said. “That was really good that he was there at the right time.”

As the investigation continues, Davis said, “In the days to come, there’ll be more information that’s released.”