Police confirmed on Tuesday that 17-year-old Anthoneil Williams II was killed in the incident early Friday morning.
AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department (APD) released additional surveillance video on Wednesday showing the moments leading up to the death of an unarmed teen shot by officers in a neighborhood park last week.
APD confirmed on Tuesday that 17-year-old Anthoneil Williams II was killed in the incident early Friday morning.
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APD Police Chief Lisa Davis said the incident began at 3:51 a.m., when a 911 caller said a young man was in a parking lot with a gun. The caller provided a description and said the person was, at times, brandishing the gun. The 911 caller then hung up and did not answer attempts to call back.
Police said they obtained surveillance footage (warning: graphic content) on Tuesday, July 28, showing Williams walked to the park at 10110 Baden Lane, near Dessau Road, and arrived at approximately 3:55 a.m. He then sat down for several minutes on a low wall near the playground. When officers arrived on the scene, Williams got up and walked toward the playground.
According to Davis, officers made contact with him, telling him to keep his hands up and asking if he was OK.
APD said at approximately 4:02 a.m., it appeared Williams lifted his shirt and reached for his waistband. He then raised both hands and extended them toward police officers, according to APD.
It was later determined the initial 911 call came from Williams’ phone.
Davis said officers began rendering aid until medics arrived. Davis said aid was rendered within seven minutes.
Williams, a 17-year-old Black male who had no previous contact with APD, was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:25 a.m.
Officers did not locate a gun at the scene, and Davis said it was later determined that the individual had a water bottle in his waistband. Davis said that the situation indicates his intention was “suicide by police.”
Davis said the officers involved are Officers Alexis Cruz, Jake Pitcher and Avery Zucchi. Cruz has been with APD for three years and nine months; Pitcher for three years and five months; and Zucchi for two years and 10 months.
Per department protocol, all three have been placed on administrative leave.
No officers or any other community members were injured during the incident.
Anthoniel Williams II’s father has created a GoFundMe to help the family pay for funeral services.