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BWC: Bystander tackles suspect who was threatening him with a gun

As Austin officers moved to arrest a suspect, the suspect pulled out a gun and pointed it at a bystander; the bystander tackled the suspect, and officers shot and killed the suspect

AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department released body camera footage showing a fatal officer-involved shooting of a burglary suspect inside a restaurant, KVUE reported.

The incident occurred on Aug. 28 when officers identified a suspect wanted in connection with a residential burglary the previous day in which he allegedly entered a home with a handgun while the owner was present.

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Officers located the suspect at a sandwich shop during a planned arrest operation. According to APD, the suspect ignored repeated commands to get on the ground. Bodycam footage shows him turning toward a bystander and pulling a handgun from a crossbody bag.

The bystander then tackled the suspect just as the gun went off. At least one round was fired as the bystander and suspect fell to the ground. Three officers then opened fire, striking the suspect. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the report.

The bystander was struck in the arm by gunfire but is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators are still working to determine which round struck him.

At a press conference on Sept. 2, Police Chief Lisa Davis praised the bystander’s actions, calling him a hero.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com