Crime
20-year-old Matthew Escalante killed after shooting in east Austin
The Austin Police Department (APD) is actively investigating a homicide that occurred in East Austin last week, involving the death of 20-year-old Matthew Escalante.
Officers initially responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 2600 block of Rosewood Avenue at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 7.
Upon arriving, officers found Escalante suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital but, despite medical efforts, he passed away on November 8.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Escalante had gone to meet someone when he was suddenly ambushed and shot by an unidentified suspect.
The shooter then fled the scene, accompanied by additional suspects, according to APD.
This incident has been classified as Austin’s 58th homicide of 2024.
Detectives are urging anyone with information regarding the suspects or the events leading up to the shooting to come forward to aid in their ongoing investigation.
The APD requests that individuals with potential leads contact them directly at 512-974-TIPS.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program, either by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be offered for information leading to an arrest in this case.
BARTOW, FL — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at 120 Polk Street East in Bartow.
The incident resulted in three individuals sustaining gunshot wounds, including a Bartow Police Department (BPD) officer, a public safety aide (PSA) officer, and the suspect involved.
Emergency medical services were immediately requested at the scene to provide critical aid to all three gunshot victims.
The conditions of the injured individuals have not yet been released.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Law enforcement officials have secured the area as forensic teams and investigators begin processing the scene.
Additional information, including the identities of those involved and any potential charges, is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area and allow emergency crews to continue their response efforts without obstruction.