AUSTIN, TX – The Austin Police Department is continuing its investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of September 10, 2025, in the 700 block of Azie Morton Road near Zilker Park.
According to APD, officers were conducting a curfew check around 3:31 a.m. when they located a stolen vehicle. After calling for a tow, most officers departed to patrol other areas while Officer Adam Reinhart remained at the scene.
At approximately 4:10 a.m., two individuals approached the tow truck driver, claiming ownership of the vehicle. As they began walking into a wooded area, Officer Reinhart followed, issued verbal commands, and announced that they were detained. The female subject, identified as Kay Smith, 30, began walking toward the officer, while the male subject, later identified as Brandon Thompson, 30, remained behind her.
Officer Reinhart ordered Mr. Thompson to remove his hands from his pockets. According to APD, Mr. Thompson then fired a weapon, striking Ms. Smith in the head and Officer Reinhart in the abdomen. Officer Reinhart returned fire before Thompson fled into the wooded area.
Reinforcements arrived minutes later. Officer Reinhart was transported to a hospital and treated for his injuries. Ms. Smith was pronounced braindead at 2:57 p.m. the same day.
A multi-agency manhunt ensued, involving APD SWAT, AIR1, and K9 units. At 7:44 a.m., Austin ISD Police reported a suspicious person near Barton Hills Elementary, which had already implemented a “Secure” status. The campus was placed on “Lockdown” after confirmation of the suspect’s proximity. An AISD sergeant spotted a person matching Thompson’s description and issued commands, but Thompson fled.
At approximately 7:52 a.m., Thompson was located again by APD officers and ran into a home in the 2500 block of Homedale Drive, forcibly entering through the front door. The homeowner shot Thompson in the arm and leg. He was transported to a hospital and is in stable condition.
Thompson is currently facing the following charges:
- Attempted Capital Murder of a Peace Officer – 1st Degree Felony
- Burglary of a Residence – 1st Degree Felony
Additional charges are pending.
Officer Reinhart, a six-year veteran of APD, has been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with department policy. Two concurrent investigations are underway: a criminal investigation led by the APD Special Investigations Unit in conjunction with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, and an administrative investigation by APD Internal Affairs, overseen by the Office of Police Oversight.
