The Austin Police Department is still investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place on August 19. A man who was reportedly armed with a knife was shot while in the middle of rush hour traffic on 183. That man has been identified as 51-year-old Lashondell Gillespie.
According to a police report, officers responded to a 911 call at 4:35 p.m. about a man who was aggressive and standing in the middle of traffic, later identified as Gillespie. An officer who arrived on-scene reported Gillespie appeared to be armed with a knife. Minutes later, the report says more officers arrived and Gillespie began aggressively moving toward them with the knife, refusing multiple commands to drop it. When he continued to move forward, officers opened fire.
Despite falling to the ground from the gunshot wounds, officers said Gillespie still refused to let go of the knife, so he was tazed and disarmed. At that point he was given medical attention and transported to a hospital where he is said to be recovering from this injuries.
No officers were hurt.
The two officers who fired their weapons each have 11 years of service with APD.
As per department protocol, video of the incident must be released within ten days. Officials with APD say they do plan to release that footage, along with further details of the incident, at a press conference “once it is scheduled.”
