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BWC: Man in wheelchair points replica handgun at Texas officer before fatal OIS

Austin PD officers responded to the scene after receiving reports that a man was pointing a gun at bystanders; he then pointed the gun, later found to be a BB gun, at officers

AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department released body-camera footage of a fatal shooting involving a man who was reportedly threatening people with what appeared to be a firearm, CBS Austin reported.

The May 17 incident began when multiple 911 callers reported a man in a wheelchair with a black pistol in his lap. One caller said the man pointed the weapon directly at her.

When officers arrived, they gave verbal commands for the man to stop moving while working to manage the flow of traffic on the road. Police say the suspect did not comply and raised the weapon toward an officer, prompting the officer to fire six shots.

The suspect was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No officers or bystanders were injured, according to the report. The weapon later was confirmed to be a Glock replica BB gun.

During a press conference, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said the suspect had a known history of mental health issues. The involved officer, a seven-year veteran of the department, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations.

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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