In a shocking incident in north Austin, a woman was stabbed multiple times inside an apartment early Monday, resulting in life-threatening injuries. The Austin Police Department (APD) reported that the victim is currently in critical condition. The alleged attacker was shot and killed by an officer to protect the life of the victim.

According to Interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson, officers responded to multiple 911 calls around 1:34 a.m. concerning a disturbance at the San Paloma apartments on Tech Ridge Boulevard. The calls described yelling, screaming, banging, and calls for help. One caller even reported hearing glass shattering and objects being thrown.

Upon arrival at 1:45 a.m., officers were guided to the apartment by a woman who had flagged them down. They heard the commotion inside and, after receiving no response to their attempts to make contact, forced their way into the unit. Inside, they witnessed a male suspect actively stabbing a woman.

To save the life of the victim, the officer discharged his firearm, striking the attacker. Despite the efforts of the officers who removed the victim from the room and administered life-saving measures, the male suspect was pronounced dead at 3:05 a.m.

The relationship between the victim and the suspect remains unknown at this time. Police have not yet confirmed whether they have been called to the apartment before. Fortunately, no other individuals were injured during the incident.

The entire encounter was captured on body-worn cameras, and the footage will be released within 10 business days in adherence to APD policy. The officer who shot the suspect has been placed on administrative duty, following standard protocol.

Two investigations will be conducted into the shooting. The APD Special Investigations Unit, in collaboration with the Travis County District Attorney's Office, will handle the criminal investigation. Simultaneously, the APD internal affairs unit, overseen by the Office of Police Oversight, will conduct an administrative investigation.

As authorities continue to process and investigate the crime scene, residents of the San Paloma apartments were left shocked upon learning about the stabbing. Lily Mejia, a tenant, expressed concern about the incident, highlighting that she had always felt safe in the family-friendly area.

Meanwhile, some individuals who were coming or going from the complex appeared unfazed by the stabbing, citing that such incidents happen frequently throughout Austin.

Stabbing-related deaths in Austin have been comparatively rare in recent years. According to data analyzed by KXAN investigators from APD news releases, there have been 36 stabbing deaths since 2018, while there were 287 deaths related to gunfire during the same period.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the APD Special Investigations Unit at (512) 974-6840 or Capital Area Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-8477.