Police officer-involved shooting during a traffic stop has been released,prompting investigations into police procedure.">
Austin Police Release Bodycam Footage of North Austin Shooting
AUSTIN — May 23,2024 — The Austin Police Department (APD) has released body camera footage of an officer-involved shooting that occurred during a traffic stop in North Austin. The incident,which took place earlier this week,involved a traffic stop initiated due to a signal violation. The female driver, a young child, and a male passenger (Branson Berreles) were in the vehicle. Two investigations are now underway; read on for more details.
Austin Police Release Body Camera Footage of North Austin Shooting
The Austin Police Department (APD) has released body camera footage depicting an officer-involved shooting that occurred during a traffic stop in North Austin. The incident, which took place earlier this week, has prompted multiple investigations and raised questions about police procedure and use of force.
The Incident Unfolds
At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Wednesday,May 7,officers Jake Pitcher and Ryne kirchberg initiated a traffic stop on East Braker Lane. The reason for the stop: failure to signal a turn. inside the vehicle were a female driver,a young child,and a male passenger later identified as 26-year-old Branson Berreles.
Did You Know?
Traffic stops are among the most common interactions between police officers and the public. They can quickly escalate, highlighting the importance of clear interaction and adherence to protocol.
According to the APD, berreles stated he did not have identification and was asked to exit the vehicle. The situation escalated when Officer Kirchberg attempted a pat-down.
here’s a breakdown of the critical moments:
- initial Contact: Officers pull over the vehicle for a traffic violation.
- Identification Request: Berreles claims to have no ID and is asked to step out.
- Escalation:
As Officer Kirchberg attempted to pat down Berreles, he pushed the officer and began to run away.
- The Shooting:
When the officer reached for him, berreles reached toward his waistband and tried to pull out a firearm.
In response to what they perceived as an imminent threat, both officers discharged their weapons, striking berreles. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.
following the shooting, officers located a firearm in the vicinity where Berreles had been reaching, along with multiple magazines.
Immediate Aftermath and Investigations
Thankfully, no other individuals were injured during the incident. As per standard department protocol, both Officers Pitcher and Kirchberg have been placed on administrative leave.
Officer Pitcher has been with the APD for just under two years, while Officer Kirchberg has served for four and a half years.
Pro Tip: Understanding Administrative Leave
Administrative leave is a common practice following officer-involved shootings. It allows for a thorough investigation without the officer’s presence potentially influencing the process or creating further risk.
Currently, two separate investigations are underway:
- Criminal Investigation: Conducted by the APD Special Investigations Unit in conjunction with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.
- Administrative investigation: Overseen by the police department’s internal affairs unit, with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight.
Branson Berreles’ Criminal History
According to the Austin Police department, Branson Berreles has a notable criminal history and outstanding warrants. Court records indicate several charges between 2017 and 2024, including drug possession and forgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Closer Look at the Evidence
The release of the body camera footage provides a crucial visual record of the incident. The APD also released a slowed-down version of the video for closer examination.
The key question remains: Did Berreles reach for a weapon, justifying the officers’ use of deadly force?
The investigation will likely focus on:
- The clarity of the body camera footage.
- Witness statements.
- Forensic evidence, including the recovered firearm.
Community Reaction and Concerns
Officer-involved shootings often spark intense debate and scrutiny within the community. Transparency and accountability are paramount in ensuring public trust.
The Austin Police Department faces the challenge of balancing the need for thorough investigations with the public’s right to information.
As the investigations proceed, the focus will be on determining whether the officers’ actions were justified under the law and within department policy.
