Austin House Fire and Self-Inflicted Injury

A man sustained injuries after shooting himself in the driveway of a South Austin residence he allegedly ignited on Wednesday, according to the Austin Police Department (APD).

Timeline of Events

Officers initially responded to the 1900 block of Edgeware Drive around 10:20 a.m. following reports of an individual attempting to enter a backyard. Approximately 20 minutes later, a second call reported a fire within the home.

While en route, a third call alerted authorities to a gunshot. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man in the driveway of the burning house.

Initial Response and Securing the Scene

Due to the reported gunshot, officers maintained a safe distance and issued verbal commands to the man, which he did not follow. Two individuals then exited the house and complied with police instructions.

Once the scene was secured, officers approached the injured man and provided aid. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital and was undergoing surgery as of Wednesday afternoon.

Investigation Details

Police describe the man as a white male in his 60s. Investigators believe he initially fired a shot into the home to break a window before introducing a flammable substance to start the fire.

The Austin Fire Department arson investigators are currently leading the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire. Police have also connected the man to a previous fire at a family-owned home in Travis County, which is being investigated by Travis County fire marshals.

Possible Motive and Public Safety

APD Cpl. Jose Mendez stated that the incidents appear to be related to family violence and that there is no current threat to the wider public. Family violence detectives and crime scene investigators were present at the scene.