Officers involved in Alex Gonzalez Jr’s murder will not be punished: APD

Austin, Texas – The Austin Police Department (APD) duty and duty officer involved in the death of Alex Gonzalez Jr. will not face any consequences.

The APD completed an administrative investigation and Police Chief Joseph Chacón decided that Officers Gabriel Gutiérrez and Luis Serrato would not face disciplinary action.

The fatal police shooting took place on January 5, 2021, on Wickersham Lane in southeast Austin.

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Gonzalez’s girlfriend says Officer Gutierrez, who was off-duty at the time, clipped their car before shooting at them.

Gutiérrez claims he was the first to be cut off, and González flashed the gun.

Officer Serrato, who was on duty, arrived at the scene and shot Gonzalez after he climbed into the back door of his car.

Gonzalez’s girlfriend says her boyfriend reached out to their son to make sure he survived Officer Gutierrez’s first shot.

“These decisions are not made quickly or easily. An investigation into the incident revealed that when Officer Gutierrez made contact with Mr. Gonzalez, he was acting as a private individual defending himself in the face of a deadly threat. in a police car or police uniform. In addition, the investigation found that Officer Serrato’s actions in response to the incident were in line with APD policy and training. The Department recognizes the sensitive nature of shootings involving an officer and is aware of the high level of public interest. The officers involved acted in accordance with their training and APD policy,” the APD said in a statement.

Last month, a grand jury decided not to bring charges against the officers.

Earlier this week, Gonzalez’s mother urged Chief Chacon to fire the officers. However, based on Thursday’s decision, Officers Gutierrez and Serrato will not be fired.

The Gonzalez family filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Austin and the APD for liability.