AUSTIN, Texas – A male suspect died following the use of a Taser by officers from the Austin Police Department (APD) during an attempted detention. The incident occurred on June 6, shortly after 6:30 p.m. in the 7600 block of Grover Avenue, near Woodrow Avenue and Morrow Street in North Austin.
Police were responding to reports of a prowler attempting to enter a home while the homeowner, who was armed, was present. Upon arrival, officers encountered the suspect outside the residence. He exhibited erratic behavior and appeared to be experiencing a medical emergency.
While attempting to take the suspect into custody, he reportedly pulled his hands underneath him and resisted the officers’ efforts to restrain him. This prompted the deployment of a Taser. Soon after, the suspect became unresponsive and, despite the life-saving measures administered by APD, EMS, and AFD, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
The individual has been identified as a 32-year-old white male. In response to the incident, APD has categorized it as a Critical Incident Briefing.
Further details, including audiovisual evidence, are expected to be disclosed during a news conference scheduled for June 10. In the meantime, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave while both a criminal and administrative investigation is conducted.
The APD encourages anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Special Investigation Unit at 512-974-6840. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to the Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 or through their website.
