Man fired shots at Austin Code enforcement after they tried to cut his lawn, APD says
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A visit from the City of Austin for lawn maintenance ended in gunfire Wednesday morning.
According to Austin Police Department, the situation began around 9:16 a.m., when the Austin Code Department visited a resident at the 10600 block of Pinkney Lane — where code enforcement intended to conduct lawn maintenance under an administrative warrant.
“They attempted to cut the lawn for him and this is the reaction they got," APD officer Jose Mendez said Tuesday.
APD says during the visit, the resident began firing a gun from inside the home. No one was hurt.
Officers and SWAT crews responded but as of 1:20 p.m., APD says the resident is refusing to come out or communicate with officials. APD says they know he's inside and as far as they know, he's alright. It's believed he has several weapons inside, however, based on prior experience with the resident, APD says.
A local child care center and an elementary school are in the area. The daycare isn't commenting at this time, however, Kiker Elementary School on La Crosse Avenue is currently under "secure" status.
According to Austin ISD, a "secure" drill, also known as a lockout, is used when there's a threat outside of the building. As a result, all doors are locked with students/staff inside. Operations continue as normal.
APD is currently employing its Bomb Squad, K-9 unit and hostage unit for help.
This is a developing story.