APD releases dashcam, bodycam video of April shootout between officers and suspect

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Gregorio Sarmiento is in the Travis County Jail tonight, facing four felony counts, including two attempted capital murder charges, stemming from a shootout with police in April.

For the first time, we’re getting a look at the dashcam and body cam video from that night.

This video contains graphic content and has been edited. Viewer discretion is advised.

Austin police released a critical incident briefing that illustrates what happened that night, according to audio and video.

It began with a man calling 911 several times on April 9.

The video was released Friday morning on APD's website and its social media platforms. It was originally pushed back after APD delayed the release of another officer-involved shooting video from February. APD said it is now working with the Office of Police Oversight and the Travis County District Attorney's Office to shorten the timeframe of video releases from their initial 60-day policy to 10 business days.

"Do you need police, fire, EMS or mental health services?” says the 911 operator in the audio recording. “I’m not sure this dude is shooting at me for no reason whatsoever,” the man responds. It was one of several times he called 911 to report another driver shooting at him.

The two officers identified in the incident who returned gunfire are:

* Officer Jon Riordan - two and a half years of service with APD
* Officer Kingly Kong - two years of service with APD

The officers responded to the call – and began to follow Sarmiento on 290. Austin police say Sarmiento stopped his car, got out and started shooting at officers. APD says this is when Officer Riordan was hit by a bullet. Officers returned fire. Sarmiento was hit multiple times.

This footage will provide some context for the community to understand the chain of events that took place that Friday morning, APD said.

The shooting occurred at the 6300 block of East US Highway 290 on the Westbound Frontage road. One officer and the suspect were injured, APD said at the time.

These officers were initially placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with APD policy. Officer Kong has since been returned to full duty. Officer Riordan remains on limited duty due to the injuries he sustained during this incident.

Austin Police Association president Ken Casaday says the officers were doing their jobs. “The officers were able to get there and confront the subject, and they got into a shootout and you can see from the video what happened. One of our officers was shot in the leg and had to have surgery to save his foot, so both officers were heroes in my eyes,” he said.

APD’s Special Investigations Unit and the Travis County District Attorney’s office are conducting a criminal investigation. The D.A’s Office told CBS Austin the case will likely be presented to a special grand jury before winter. “It is standard with this D.A. It is a departure from the last, but this is standard operating procedure with this D.A. and I’m beyond confident that the officers will be fine,” Casaday said.