AUSTIN, Texas – A man’s friends who was shot last week in Northeast Austin share their memories of him.

Police identified the suspect as 20-year-old Clayton Taitague. He is accused of killing 30-year-old Tyler Cochran.

Austin police said Cochran was shot dead by Taitague and then, seconds later, an unnamed security officer shot and critically wounded Taitague.

“The security officer used his firearm in self-defense,” said Austin Police Department Homicide Detective Bradley Parks.

It all happened in the parking lot of Michelobos Sports Bar off East Braker Lane in Northeast Austin in the early morning hours of November 1st. It’s an area police are very familiar with, having responded to 34 calls for service last year and 61 so far. this year.

“It’s not just the number of calls for service, it’s the intensity of those calls,” Austin Police Chief Lee Davis said.

“Most likely as a direct result of the presence of more nightclubs in this area, sports bars and after-hours establishments,” Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said.

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The commander overseeing the area said they have been meeting with property owners and managers since April to determine what makes it a “corrupt area.”

“I want to reassure the community that things are happening, happening aggressively and at a rapid pace. We want to make sure our communities know we hear you and that you are setting our priorities,” said Commander Davis.

Commander Davis said this area is a priority so families like the Whitts don’t have to experience such a tragedy.

“Shock, disbelief,” said a friend of Tyler Cochran’s, Bobby Whitt.

Whitt said Cochran lived with him and his family from age 14 until about 19.

“He was definitely like a big brother to me,” Bobby Whitts daughter Piper Whitt said.

“He always tried to live and love life,” Bobby Whitt said.

Whitt said that at the time of the shooting, Cochran was doing well, had a girlfriend he lived with in College Station and had a steady job working in construction.

“To go out on a high like that, it really makes us wonder where it could have gone, what came next,” Bobby Whitt said.

The Austin Police Department said it has not yet spoken to the suspect because he is still unconscious in the hospital. After he is released, he will be charged with first degree murder. The security guard who fired the gun has not been charged.