CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) — Three Cedar Park Police officers were shot while responding to a scene Sunday afternoon, and then police say the shooter barricaded himself inside the home with three other people all believed to be family members.
As of Monday morning, nearly fourteen hours after police were first called to this incident, police say the scene remains active as the suspect is still barricaded inside his home.
None of the officers shot had life-threatening injuries, although at least one officer was being kept in the hospital overnight.
As of 4:30 a.m. Monday, Cedar Park Police urged neighbors who live on Natalie Cove in the Heritage Park subdivision to stay indoors. The department said it is still unsafe to leave with the active scene and the suspect still barricaded. CPPD is asking the public not to go outdoors until the department has said its safe to do so.
The shooting took place shortly after 3:10 p.m. Sunday and the stand-off has continued for more than 12 hours. Interim Cedar Park Police Chief Mark Harmon made a plea during a live news conference to the gunman.
“If you’re listening, please come out and surrender yourself peacefully so we can resolve this situation tonight,” Harmon said.
Harmon said the man is barricaded inside the home with his mother, a juvenile and another person, all three of whom are believed to be family members.
The man is believed to be in his mid 20s with previous reports of mental health issues. Police said they do have a history of responding to this residence at 2304 Natalie Cove but are unsure of the nature of the previous calls.
Harmon said the mother told police her son kicked in the door of the home and was acting aggressively. When officers arrived around 3:10 p.m. and tried to enter the home, police say they were met with gunfire. That’s when officers returned fire in the direction of the man.
Police don’t know whether they shot the man when they returned fire and are not sure what other weapons he may have inside the home.
Police have been in periodic contact with the man and the family members.
The City of Cedar Park is asking residents to avoid Bagdad Road between Osage Drive and West New Hope Drive. The Cedar Park police and fire departments have closed the southbound lane of Bagdad Road at Heritage Park Drive, according to a tweet from the city.
Police are advising residents in the Heritage Park subdivision to remain inside their homes.
Harmon also told the public that inaccurate information about this incident is circulating on social media. He emphasized in the press conference that they should turn to Cedar Park Police for the most accurate, up to date information about this incident.
Multiple law enforcement agencies and first responder entities are assisting Cedar Park Police with this incident, including the FBI. An armored vehicle and a mobile command unit were scene entering the area police have blocked off and law enforcement can be seen wearing tactical gear.