On Wednesday morning, around 9:58 a.m., local officers conducted a routine traffic stop on a maroon sedan carrying four individuals at the intersection of Atkinson Avenue and 12th Street. The stop was initiated due to a traffic violation.
During the preliminary investigation, the driver of the sedan attempted to evade law enforcement and fled on foot. Two officers, along with a K9 officer, engaged in a foot pursuit. The suspect, running east on Atkinson Avenue, then north on 14th Street, and finally east on Harbour Avenue, produced a weapon during the chase. In response, the K9 officer discharged their duty weapon, striking the suspect in the upper right thigh.
Officers immediately provided first aid until paramedics arrived on the scene. The injured suspect was subsequently transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The three remaining occupants of the maroon sedan were arrested on the basis of outstanding warrants and were transported to the Killeen City Jail.
In accordance with established protocol, the K9 officer involved, a 6-year veteran, has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
The Texas Rangers have taken charge of the primary investigation into the incident. Additionally, the Killeen Police Department Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an internal review of the events that transpired.