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Anthoneil Williams II

Age : 17

Gender : Male

Race : Black

Date : 07/24/2026

Location : 10100 block of Baden Lane near Blue Goose Road

City : Austin

County : Travis

State : Texas

Agency : Austin Police Department

Officer(s) :Jake Pitcher; Alexis Cruz; Avery Zucchi

Cause of Death : Gunshot

Event : Killed by police during mental health crisis

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 07/24/2026 at approximately 3:51 a.m., Austin Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a person with a handgun near a playground in the 10100 block of Baden Lane in northeast Austin. The caller reported the individual repeatedly reached toward his waistband and appeared to be armed. Officers Jake Pitcher, Alexis Cruz, and Avery Zucchi responded to the call.
At approximately 4:02 a.m., officers located 17-year-old Anthoneil Williams II near the playground. Body-worn camera video released by APD shows officers ordering Williams to keep his hands raised. Seconds later, Williams lifted his sweatshirt with one hand and reached toward his waistband with the other. Officers Pitcher, Cruz, and Zucchi fired multiple rounds, striking him. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 4:25 a.m.
During the investigation, detectives determined the object in Williams' waistband was a plastic water bottle rather than a firearm. Investigators also determined the 911 call originated from Williams' own cellular phone. APD Chief Lisa Davis stated those findings led investigators to believe the incident was potentially a "suicide by police."
Williams was publicly identified by his father, Anthoneil Williams Sr., several days after the shooting. Family members disputed the characterization of the incident and questioned the officers' decision to use deadly force after learning their son had been carrying only a water bottle. Community members and elected officials called for additional scrutiny of the shooting and broader reforms concerning police responses to mental health crises involving juveniles.
The Austin Police Department released body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, 911 recordings, and dispatch audio within days of the shooting. The officers were placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy while the department's Special Investigations Unit and Internal Affairs Division continue separate criminal and administrative investigations.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.fox7austin.com/news/officer-involved-shooting-northeast-austin-leaves-1-person-dead
https://us6.campaign-archive.com/?u=9a4c6da471&id=23b690de7f
https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/police-17-year-old-had-water-bottle-not-gun-in-fatal-austin-officer-shooting