I have been processing this tremendous loss to the community over the past few days. Austin was our neighbor. We went to the same gym, and before he joined the force, he worked in the same plaza as I did. Naturally, I would see him regularly between 2015 and 2019, at least 2-3 times a week by chance. He was bright, very respectful, and acknowledged everyone with a big smile. He called me “Miss Kat” and Nick “Mr. Nick.” He worked at a bank a few businesses away from my old job and convinced me to open an account with their branch, so I did. It was then that I learned little details about his life, which made me realize that he had dreams for himself that he was still striving to achieve. He told me he wanted to join law enforcement and was very eager to get started. When he was accepted into the academy, he was excited to share the news with me, and whenever I ran into him, he would update me on the process. When he finally graduated from the academy, I congratulated him and said, “That was quick!” He jokingly replied, “Maybe for YOU!”

Because he used to live so close to us, we’d also see him around the neighborhood or at the store. If he saw me with the girls at the park, he would pull up and say “Hi!” When he got into his routine with his work, I saw him less at the gym and around the neighborhood, so we lost touch. But one time during the pandemic, I was walking with Nick and the girls when he honked his horn to grab our attention, flashed his big smile at us, and said, “Hi!”

I always thought we would run into him again, but that was the last time we saw him.

When I saw the news, it was shocking and gut-wrenching because I remembered how nice and respectful he was towards me and my family and how he shared part of his journey with me.

I want people to know from my interactions with him that he was a very respectful, bright young man who had dreams for himself.

God rest your soul, Austin. My deepest condolences and prayers to the Machitar/Redondo families and all who loved him.🙏🏽