gr8tfuldude
12-03-2001, 17:25
My heart goes out to this officer's family.
From the Austin Police Department website:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2001
Contact: Public Information Office, 974-5017
AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT LOSES OFFICER
Officer Killed During Pursuit
At approximately 11:13 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2001 an Austin Police Department patrol officer observed a vehicle driving erratically southbound on Interstate 35. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle. The suspect attempted to flee from officers and continued southbound on I-35. During the pursuit the suspect led officers through the Buda area. The pursuit continued north on I-35 on the east frontage. An officer assisting on the call stopped his patrol unit on the east frontage north of Onion Creek Parkway. The officer was attempting to deploy a "Stinger" device in order to stop the suspect. (A Stinger is a tire deflation device used by law enforcement agencies to disable a vehicle during pursuits.) The suspect's vehicle struck the officer and his patrol unit.
Officer Clinton Hunter, an officer with the Austin Police Department since September 8, 2000 was transported to Brakenridge Hospital where he died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision. Officer Hunter was 22 years old and graduated with the 99th Cadet Class. Officer Hunter is survived by his wife and two year-old daughter.
The Austin Police Department lost a member of its family and the entire Department mourns the tragic loss of this outstanding officer. The Austin Police Department extends its deepest sympathy to the Hunter family in their time of sorrow. Officer Hunter is the 17 officer to loose his life in the line of duty.
The suspect, Herschel Ray Hinkle, 28 (DOB: 1-28-73) was transported to Brackenridge hospital where he is listed in good condition. Charges are pending.
Media Advisory: A photo of Hinkle is available to copy at Police Headquarters
From the Austin Police Department website:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2001
Contact: Public Information Office, 974-5017
AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT LOSES OFFICER
Officer Killed During Pursuit
At approximately 11:13 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2001 an Austin Police Department patrol officer observed a vehicle driving erratically southbound on Interstate 35. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle. The suspect attempted to flee from officers and continued southbound on I-35. During the pursuit the suspect led officers through the Buda area. The pursuit continued north on I-35 on the east frontage. An officer assisting on the call stopped his patrol unit on the east frontage north of Onion Creek Parkway. The officer was attempting to deploy a "Stinger" device in order to stop the suspect. (A Stinger is a tire deflation device used by law enforcement agencies to disable a vehicle during pursuits.) The suspect's vehicle struck the officer and his patrol unit.
Officer Clinton Hunter, an officer with the Austin Police Department since September 8, 2000 was transported to Brakenridge Hospital where he died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision. Officer Hunter was 22 years old and graduated with the 99th Cadet Class. Officer Hunter is survived by his wife and two year-old daughter.
The Austin Police Department lost a member of its family and the entire Department mourns the tragic loss of this outstanding officer. The Austin Police Department extends its deepest sympathy to the Hunter family in their time of sorrow. Officer Hunter is the 17 officer to loose his life in the line of duty.
The suspect, Herschel Ray Hinkle, 28 (DOB: 1-28-73) was transported to Brackenridge hospital where he is listed in good condition. Charges are pending.
Media Advisory: A photo of Hinkle is available to copy at Police Headquarters