In a recent turn of events, the Austin Police Department has released body camera footage after an officer-involved shooting transpired during a traffic stop in North Austin. According to CBS Austin, the incident, which occurred on East Braker Lane at 12:40 a.m. on Wednesday, began when officers pulled over a driver for not signaling a turn. The vehicle contained a female driver, a young child, and a male passenger, identified as 26-year-old Branson Berreles.
Upon request for identification, Berreles, who was without ID, was asked to exit the vehicle. Subsequently, as reported by FOX 7 Austin, Berreles pushed an officer and attempted to flee, leading to a fraught confrontation where he reached for a firearm in his waistband. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis stated, “Once he reached for his waistband on his right side, and the officer saw that, and he started blading, then the officer came up with his own weapon and fired.” The exchange resulted in officers discharging their weapons, injuring Berreles, who did not fire his gun.
Authorities have disclosed that several magazines and a firearm were retrieved from Berreles, who is now hospitalized. While the woman in the car was heard cautioning the officers during the weapon search, fortunately, neither she nor the child was harmed. Officers Jake Pitcher and Ryne Kirchberg, involved in the incident, have been placed on administrative leave by the APD, in line with department protocol…