Austin Detectives Stop Armed Burglary and Home Invasion Suspect

In early August, Austin Police burglary detectives identified a suspect, 33-year-old Raymond Lee Howard. Over the course of the month, Howard committed multiple offenses, including residential burglaries and home invasions, during which various personal property items and firearms were stolen.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, Howard committed a burglary of residence with a handgun, where the owner was present. Due to the elevated risk posed by Howard, burglary detectives requested assistance from the Major Crimes Suppression Unit (MCSU).

On Thursday, August 28, 2025, at approximately 5 p.m., MSCU detectives conducted a fugitive apprehension operation at 1807 West Slaughter Lane in an effort to take Howard into custody. When MCSU detectives arrived at the location, they observed an individual matching the description of Howard arrive on a motorcycle. Approximately ten minutes later, detectives were able to positively identify the suspect as Howard.

At approximately 5:26 p.m., Detective Gonzalez, Detective Pruitt, and Detective Cardona entered the business located at 1807 West Slaughter Lane and made contact with Howard.

Officers gave verbal commands for Howard to get on the ground, and he did not comply. Howard turned away from the detectives, towards a bystander inside the business, and pulled out a handgun from a crossbody bag. The bystander intervened and physically engaged Howard, who was still holding the handgun. The bystander later told detectives that he was in fear due to Howard's actions prior to the shooting, which led the bystander to physically restraining him.

Despite repeated verbal commands, Howard failed to comply, raised the handgun, and discharged at least one round while falling to floor still physically engaged with the bystander. Detectives discharged their Department-issued firearms, striking Howard.

Detectives detained Howard and attempted to render aid, but Howard was pronounced deceased at 5:46 p.m. The bystander was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, where he was treated and released. No officers or additional individuals were injured in the incident.