CEDAR PARK, Texas – A standoff that lasted about 18 hours at a home in Cedar Park, near Austin, ended Monday morning with the hostages being released and the man accused of holding them for hours surrendering, police said.
The standoff began about 3:10 p.m. Sunday when Cedar Park police responded to a home at 2304 Natalie Cove after a woman reported that her son, in his mid-20s, had kicked the door down.
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When officers arrived, the suspect shot at police and they returned fire, according to Cedar Park interim Police Chief Mike Harmon. Three officers were hurt in the gunfire and were taken to a local hospital where they are in stable condition, Harmon said in a press conference Sunday night. It is unclear if the suspect was also hurt in the exchange of gunfire.
The suspect barricaded himself in the home with his mother, a juvenile and a third person whose age is unknown, Harmon said. By 8 a.m. Monday, two of the three hostages were released, police said. The final hostage and the man came out of the home about an hour later, police said.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene including DPS Troopers, the Texas Rangers, Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies, Leander and Pflugerville police and emergency medical personnel.
Harmon said. the Central Texas SWAT team was at the scene and negotiators were in contact with the suspect periodically, urging him to come out and resolve the situation peacefully.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement on the shooting Sunday evening:
“Our hearts are with the police officers who were injured while protecting the Cedar Park community this afternoon. We must never take for granted the service and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers, and the State of Texas stands ready to provide the support and resources needed to bring justice to those involved. I ask that all Texans join Cecilia and me in prayer for the these officers, and for the safety of all law enforcement officers across the state.”