New insights have emerged regarding a tragic officer-involved shooting in Georgetown, Texas, which resulted in the death of a man over the weekend. Authorities have confirmed the identity of the deceased as 37-year-old Timothy Visa Xayyaraj, and new video footage has surfaced that captures the chaotic moments leading up to the incident, including the sounds of gunfire.
On Saturday afternoon, Xayyaraj was shot and killed by a Georgetown police officer following a violent altercation in Georgetown Square. The confrontation began shortly before 1 p.m. when officers responded to reports of a man behaving erratically and jumping on vehicles in the area.
Upon arrival, police reported that Xayyaraj claimed he possessed a firearm and reached towards his waistband. However, after assessing the situation, officers determined he was unarmed, yet the encounter escalated into a physical struggle. Chief Cory Tchida of the Georgetown Police Department described the situation, stating, “At the time, the officers were able to discern that he did not have a gun in his waistband, but he advanced on to the point that they had to go hands on. And then the struggle went to the ground. There were at least four officers, and it became extremely violent.”
During the altercation, Xayyaraj attempted to grab a handgun from an officer’s holster. While it remains unclear if he succeeded, officers reported hearing a shot during the struggle, prompting another officer to discharge their weapon.
The unsettling incident was captured by a nearby YouTube vlogger, who recorded the events as they unfolded. The video features a voice urging Xayyaraj to “Let go of the gun,” followed by what appears to be a gunshot. As responders arrived, Xayyaraj was found lying in the street, where he received immediate medical attention before being transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
This incident was not Xayyaraj’s first encounter with law enforcement that day. Earlier in the morning, deputies had confronted him at St. David’s Hospital in Round Rock, leading to his arrest on charges related to attempting to take a weapon from an officer. However, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office later released him, citing insufficient evidence to justify his continued detention. Following his release, he exhibited erratic behavior in Georgetown Square, prompting calls to the police.
In a joint statement, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney Shawn Dick expressed gratitude that no officers or bystanders were seriously harmed during the confrontation. They extended condolences to Xayyaraj’s family and acknowledged the complex societal challenges posed by mental illness. They encouraged anyone in crisis to reach out for help via the “988” Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Texas Rangers are currently leading the investigation into the shooting, and the case will be presented to a Grand Jury once their inquiry is complete.
The incident unfolded in a bustling area, surrounded by restaurants and shops, as noted by Kim Wilkinson, a manager at a local boutique. She recounted the atmosphere during the shooting, sharing that she initially found it hard to believe reports of gunfire from her coworker. After locking the store’s front door, she observed a significant police presence and became concerned for the safety of those nearby.
