Austin Police Release Bodycam Footage from Deadly Shooting Incident
AUSTIN — The Austin Police Department has shared bodycam footage from a tragic shooting that occurred on September 10. This incident, which ended in the death of a 59-year-old man named Franklin Earl Miller, began late that night when a call was made to 911 around 10:59 p.m.. The caller reported that a man was trying to break into a business located at 1724 West Anderson Lane and mentioned that the man seemed to have a gun.
Officers Attempt to De-escalate Situation
Once officers arrived at the scene, they immediately took steps to de-escalate the situation. According to police reports, they spent nearly 14 minutes trying to convince Miller to comply with their commands, which included several requests for him to put down his firearm. The released video footage shows moments where Miller raised his gun and pointed it at police officers.
It was at this grave moment that the officers discharged their weapons, as they felt their lives were in danger. Despite the immediate life-saving measures taken by the officers after the shooting, Miller was pronounced dead at 11:33 p.m. by emergency medical personnel, according to the Austin-Travis County EMS.
Details of the Incident Released
In a news release dated September 16, the Austin Police Department disclosed that a total of five officers fired their weapons during the confrontation. The specific names and details of these officers have been made available to the public. Additionally, a sixth officer, identified as Officer Jeremmy Santos, who has been with the department for only four months, deployed a pepper-spray projectile during the incident.
In line with standard procedure, all six officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing. A variety of materials related to the incident, including audio files from 911 calls and police radio traffic, as well as bodycam videos and dash camera footage, have also been released by the police department for public access.
Public Advisory
Those interested in viewing the footage and recordings are advised that the content may be graphic. The Austin Police Department has decided to share these materials on their official YouTube channel for greater transparency and public awareness regarding the events that transpired that night.
The police are asking anyone with information related to this case to contact their Special Investigation Unit at (512) 974-6840 or to reach out to the Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-8477.
Conclusion
The release of the footage and details surrounding this incident highlights the serious issues surrounding police encounters and the struggles faced in trying to control potentially dangerous situations. The Austin community, still reeling from the events of that night, continues to seek answers as investigations progress.
