Austin Police ID Officer Who Fired At Group Of Downtown Shooters

Austin TX

13 October, 2021

12:24 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Austin police identified the officer who fired his weapon in a deadly downtown shooting Saturday. Officer Glenn Vargas, who has served for the department for four years, was identified late Monday by police. Vargas was placed on administrative leave under police protocol after firing his weapon in the shooting. Around 1:15 a.m. Saturday, officers were looking into a possible intoxicated driver near 5th and Sabine streets when they heard gunfire, police said. Live in Austin? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. The officers then ran north on Sabine Street and saw a group of men shooting at another group. Vargas shot at the shooters, police said. It wasn't immediately clear if anyone was shot by Vargas' gun. The group of men ran off when police gave chase. The officers detained a suspect in the shooting and found a handgun. Police found a victim less than two minutes after the shooting and tried to save his life. He was hospitalized in critical condition and later died from his injuries. Police identified the victim as 17-year-old Michael Carothers. No officers were hurt in the shooting, which was recorded on the officer's body-worn camera, police said. Authorities are searching for other videos. Investigators plan to release video of the shooting within 10 business days following a live news conference. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS, or use the new Crime Stoppers App.