Fatal shooting inside HEB: The incident involved a third security guard, not an employee

AUSTIN, Texas – Last week, more details were revealed about the deadly shooting at a North Austin HEB.

Austin police initially responded to a 911 call on Canyon Ridge Drive in the Tech Ridge Center when multiple 911 calls came in about a shooting.

A witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said he heard six or seven shots. Even days later, emotions are still running high.

“I’m still shocked. I don’t want to see this parking lot. It was difficult,” the witness said.

A man was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. He later died from his injuries. No one else was injured.

HEB sent a statement saying: “This incident involved an external security officer, not an HEB employee. HEB continues to work closely with local law enforcement on this matter. Further details will be provided by law enforcement.”

Michael Matranga is the CEO of a security consulting firm in Texas. He says HEB typically hires and assigns someone who is considered a Class 3 or 4 armed officer in the state of Texas.

Matranga says these officers have the potential to cause bodily harm, injury or death if their life or the life of a person is threatened. You have the right to use deadly force to protect yourself or others.

MORE STORIES:

“Preliminary reports indicate that this individual approached the officer with a live weapon or made a specific movement toward him,” Matranga said.

He says those signed must undergo not only physical training but also strength training.

Which weapons they carry depends on the company.

“If you are a Class 3 or 4 armed security guard, you have a pistol. “Some may allow their officers to carry an OC spray or a baton or a Taser to subdue a potential attacker, depending on the use of force continuum and how they are there, their company has trained them,” Matranga said.

The witness FOX 7 Austin spoke with still had questions.

“What are they guarding? What is a gun for?”

At the end of the day, Matranga says, “I think the most important thing is that the patrons of HEB obviously need to understand that they need to look out for the well-being of their patrons and the people assigned to them.” This location on other locations is there to help them protect

Police say it was not an active shooter.

As of Monday evening, APD had not identified the person who died.

According to an APD incident report, a detective has been assigned to investigate the incident as a homicide.