Austin Police Fatally Shoot Unarmed Teen in Case They Say May Have Been “Suicide by Police”

Austin police say a 17-year-old was fatally shot by officers after they responded early Friday to a 911 call reporting a gun-like object in the teen’s waistband near a park in northeast Austin. Police later determined no firearm was found; instead, they said the object was a water bottle tucked into his waistband and believe the teen may have been trying to provoke a deadly police response, which they described as “suicide by police.” Officers involved remain on paid administrative leave as investigations continue.