Austin Police Release Details on Recent Shooting Incident
AUSTIN — In a recent press release, the Austin Police Department shared new information about the shooting that took place on September 10 in north Austin. The details reveal critical aspects of the event that ended with the death of a 59-year-old man named Franklin Earl Miller.
According to the police, around 10:59 p.m. on that evening, a call came into Austin 911. The caller reported that a man, later identified as Miller, was attempting to break into a business located at 1724 West Anderson Lane. The caller stated that they were monitoring the situation through security cameras and saw Miller holding a rock. Furthermore, they mentioned that Miller appeared to have a gun in his waistband.
Austin police officers arrived at the scene approximately 12 minutes later, around 11:11 p.m. Upon their arrival, they encountered Miller, who was reportedly not following the officers’ directions. The officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging Miller to comply with their commands.
Officers observed Miller gripping a pistol during their efforts to communicate with him. Despite repeated requests from the officers for him to put down the firearm, Miller remained uncooperative. Things escalated around 11:25 p.m. when Miller raised his gun in the direction of the officers.
In response to this apparent threat, the officers discharged their firearms, following department-approved protocols. Witnesses reported a tense atmosphere as officers immediately began life-saving measures on Miller after the shooting. Emergency medical services arrived on the scene at approximately 11:30 p.m., but Miller was pronounced dead shortly thereafter, at 11:33 p.m.
According to the police report, a total of five officers discharged their weapons during this incident. The experience of these officers varies, with time on the force ranging from four months to six and a half years. Additionally, a sixth officer deployed a pepperball launcher simultaneous to the gunfire; this officer has only four months of service with the police department.
The Austin Police Department is moving forward with two separate investigations into the shooting. A criminal investigation will be conducted by the APD Special Investigations Unit in collaboration with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. At the same time, an administrative investigation will take place under the oversight of the APD Internal Affairs Unit and the Office of Police Oversight.
Body-worn camera footage captured the incident, and according to departmental policy, the footage will be released within ten business days. The police are also encouraging anyone who may have further information related to this incident to reach out. Individuals can contact the APD Special Investigation Unit at (512) 974-6840 or make anonymous tips through Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-8477. There is also an option for submitting tips online via the Crime Stoppers website.
This tragic occurrence emphasizes the complexities and dangers involved in police encounters. As the investigation proceeds, it will provide the community and authorities with more clarity regarding the events that led to Miller’s death.
