Austin Park Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Sunday, May 28, 2000
Add to My HeroesWilliam DeWayne Jones, Sr.
Police Officer William Jones was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop at Zilker Park.
Officer Jones was speaking with the driver of the vehicle when the man opened fire, striking him in the chest twice and the neck once. Officer Jones, who was not wearing a vest, was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
More than 200 youth soccer teams were attending an international soccer tournament at the park at the time of the shooting.
The suspect fled the scene, but was spotted several hours later near Houston, Texas, approximately 150 miles away. After a short chase the suspect committed suicide. He had already served time in prison and was currently wanted by another jurisdiction for sexual assault.
Officer Jones had served with the Austin Park Police Department for three years. He is survived by his wife and three children.
A memorial to Officer Jones was erected by public contributions and city of Austin funds in Zilker Park at the intersection of Robert E. Lee Road and Barton Springs Road, near the location of his fatal shooting.
Bio
- Age 49
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 74 ReflectionsOfficer Jones your name has come up in my memory several times over the last few months. Earlier this year I was in a dark place and I took an aimless walk that ended with my curiosity of the pretty area that turned out to be your memorial.
I sat there stunned that a black man’s memorial was erected in a prominent area in this state. I read about your story, you went to Yates. I’m from Houston and have friends and church members that went to Yates also. I noticed you weren’t too much older than my own father, and I prayed for your three children. I assumed they’d be about my age, and I prayed they had fared better than I had in this world.
Months later I looked you up again and found this reflections section where your children and grandchildren have left you letters and it moved me to tears.
To the children and descendants of Officer Jones, I pray you are well and I wish you a lifetime of peace, joy and prosperity. May this world treat you with uncanny kindness, your sacrifice will be honored forever.
Officer Jones I never heard your story as a child, but I know it now. You are remembered. Your legacy will live for generations to come.
Rachel Grant
Civilian
May 31, 2023
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