Man Shot by Officers in North Austin Identified – APD Investigation Update
The Austin Police Department has released additional details regarding the shooting that took place in north Austin on September 10th. The man who was shot by officers has been identified as Franklin Earl Miller, a 59-year-old individual. According to the police report, the incident unfolded after a call was made to Austin 911 around 10:59 p.m. reporting a man, later identified as Miller, who was allegedly attempting to break into a business located at 1724 West Anderson Lane. The caller mentioned that Miller was seen pulling on the doors and appeared to be holding a rock. Additionally, the caller reported that Miller had a gun in his waistband.
Upon the arrival of officers at the scene at approximately 11:11 p.m., Miller was uncooperative and did not comply with the officers’ instructions. Despite the officers’ efforts to de-escalate the situation, Miller was observed gripping a pistol in his hands. The officers repeatedly instructed Miller to put down his firearm, but he refused to comply. After approximately 14 minutes of attempting to get Miller to cooperate, he raised the gun in the direction of the officers at around 11:25 p.m. As a result, the officers discharged their department-approved firearms at Miller and immediately initiated life-saving measures.
Austin-Travis County EMS arrived at the scene at 11:30 p.m. and pronounced Miller dead at 11:33 p.m. It was reported that a total of five officers discharged their firearms during the incident, with their tenure ranging from four months to six and a half years of service. Additionally, a sixth officer deployed a department-issued pepperball launcher at the same time shots were fired, and this officer has four months of service with the department.
Investigations and Protocols
The Austin Police Department has announced that two separate investigations will be conducted in relation to the incident. A criminal investigation will be carried out by the APD Special Investigations Unit in collaboration with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Simultaneously, an administrative investigation will be conducted by the APD Internal Affairs Unit, with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight. This dual investigation approach aims to ensure a comprehensive review of the events leading up to the shooting.
In accordance with APD protocol, officers involved in the incident had body-worn cameras that captured the events as they unfolded. The video footage will be released to the public within 10 business days, allowing for transparency and accountability in the investigation process. The department is committed to providing the community with access to information regarding the incident and the actions taken by law enforcement officers.
Community Response and Support
The shooting incident in north Austin has sparked discussions and concerns within the community regarding police procedures and use of force. As details of the event continue to emerge, residents are seeking clarity on the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting of Franklin Earl Miller. Calls for transparency and accountability in law enforcement actions have been voiced by community members and advocacy groups.
In response to these concerns, the Austin Police Department has encouraged anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Individuals can contact the APD Special Investigation Unit at (512) 974-6840 or Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-8477 to provide tips or relevant details. Additionally, online tips can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers website to assist in the ongoing investigations.
As the investigation progresses and more information becomes available, the community is urged to remain engaged and informed about the developments surrounding the shooting incident. The Austin Police Department is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial review of the events leading up to the use of deadly force, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
The tragic shooting of Franklin Earl Miller in north Austin has raised important questions about police-community interactions and the use of force by law enforcement officers. As the investigations unfold and details are revealed, the community will continue to seek answers and demand accountability from the authorities involved. It is imperative that the Austin Police Department remains transparent and responsive to the concerns of the public, fostering trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community they serve.