
City of Austin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERelease Date: Jun. 04, 2025
Contact: Public Information Office 512-974-5017 Email
The Austin Police Department (APD) continues to investigate the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at approximately 11:16 p.m., in the intersection of Research Boulevard SVRD NB and North Lamar Boulevard.
APD understands the importance of building trust within our community and will continue working diligently to develop a strong and trusting relationship. As per our policy, we share information about a critical incident in a timely manner. APD is working with the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) and the City of Austin to release this information today. The news release includes links to the relevant audio and video from the ongoing investigation. The Travis County District Attorney's Office and OPO have reviewed the audio and video materials identified for public release.
The four officers who discharged their Department-approved firearms have the following years of service with the Department:
- Officer Joseph Duesler, 2 years, 6 months
- Officer Kai Finch, 2 years, 6 months
- Officer Martin Vela, 1 year, 8 months
- Officer Vincent Nguyen, 2 years, 6 months
Per APD protocol, the four officers have been placed on paid administrative leave.
APD will conduct two concurrent investigations into this incident: a criminal investigation conducted by the APD Special Investigations Unit in conjunction with the Travis County District Attorney's Office and an administrative investigation conducted by the APD Internal Affairs Unit, with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight.
Transparency and accountability are key elements needed to serve and build relationships within the Austin community. Below is the chain of events related to this critical incident that will help you understand what took place. The details provided are preliminary, as we are very early in the investigation.
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, at approximately 11:16 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers attempted to stop a reported stolen vehicle. The suspect vehicle began to evade from officers, traveling at a high rate of speed and running through red lights. This initiated a brief pursuit.
At approximately 11:21 p.m., a collision occurred between the suspect vehicle and a cement pillar along Research Boulevard SVRD NB. The suspect vehicle continued to evade at a high rate of speed.
A short time later, the suspect vehicle struck an uninvolved vehicle at the intersection of Research Boulevard SVRD NB and North Lamar Boulevard. The collision caused the suspect vehicle to spin around and face oncoming traffic. Officers began to exit their vehicles, and the suspect, later identified as Devin Guevara, 18 years of age, opened fire on the officers. Four officers returned fire, striking Mr. Guevara in the clavicle. Fortunately, no officers were struck.
After firing, Officers observed Mr. Guevara moving inside the vehicle and instructed him to put his hands up and step out of the vehicle. Mr. Guevara was compliant and exited the vehicle through the driver side window. Mr. Guevara was detained and then transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for his injuries. He was booked into the Travis County Jail on Sunday, June 1, 2025. His charges include:
- Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant, 1st Degree Felony
- Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant, 1st Degree Felony
- Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant, 1st Degree Felony
- Evading Motor Vehicle, 3rd Degree Felony
- Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, State Jail Felony
The community member inside the uninvolved vehicle that was struck by the vehicle Mr. Guevara was driving was treated and released for minor injuries. One officer received minor injuries during the incident, but was treated and released. No other individuals were injured in the incident.
This incident was captured on officers' body-worn cameras and police vehicle in-car dash cameras. Videos do not always capture everything the officers or witnesses saw or experienced during the incident; however, the footage helps us understand what occurred. In this incident, the in-car dash cameras provide the most complete and comprehensive understanding of the incident as it unfolded.
In compliance with state law that prohibits the release of certain information and to maintain the integrity of the investigation, the materials have been redacted.
The materials include comprehensive footage of the officers' actions and contain graphic content and language. Viewer discretion is advised.
MATERIALS BEING RELEASED:
- Police Radio Traffic Audio
- Dash camera – Officer Vincent Nguyen
- Dash camera – Officer Martin Vela
- Dash camera – Officer Joseph Duesler
- Dash camera (slow speed) - Officer Joseph Duesler
- Two still photos from dash camera
All of the released materials are available on the Department's YouTube and other social media platforms. The link to the materials is below.
Please click the link here: May 31, 2025 – Critical Incident – YouTube
Anyone with information is encouraged to call APD’s Special Investigation Unit at (512) 974-6840 or Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477. For the Capitol Area Crime Stoppers submission, you may submit a tip online at austincrimestoppers.org. You may remain anonymous.