The Austin Police Department announced it is investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened in the 5300 block of Austral Loop on December 5, 2023. Austin 911 received a report of a burglary in progress in which the back door was kicked in around 6:48 PM.

Officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:50 PM. An officer arrived at the scene around 6:54 PM and encountered a male suspect in the backyard of the residence. Authorities say the suspect, identified as Shane James, immediately fired multiple shots at the officer.

The officer returned fired. The officer suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He moved to the front of the house where he found another officer who assisted by providing cover. Authorities say they later determined that the suspect had not been struck by gunfire during the incident.

Austin-Travis County EMS and the Austin Fire Department were called to assist the injured officer around 6:58 PM. James allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle stolen from the residence on Austral Loop. The officer was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries around 7:04 PM. He was treated and released to recover at home.

Following a pursuit, James crashed the stolen vehicle at the intersection of SH 45 and FM 1826 before being taken into custody. He was found to be in possession of a firearm. During the pursuit, other officers entered the residence on Austral Loop to check on the welfare of anyone inside.

The suspect’s apparent victims, Catherine Short and Lauren Short, were located inside the home with fatal injuries. They were pronounced deceased at the scene.