Man Charged with Attempted Capital Murder in Thursday Shooting of Texas SWAT Officer

The Austin Police Department has identified the man who shot a SWAT team member as Tyler Michael Harrell, 18. Travis County online jail records show he is charged with attempted capital murder.

April 15, 2016

Tyler Michael Harrell faces a charge of attempted capital murder. (Photo: Austin PD)

The Austin Police Department has identified the man who shot a SWAT team member as Tyler Michael Harrell, 18. Travis County online jail records show he is charged with attempted capital murder.

The wounded officer has been identified as Jason Pittman. He was hired by Austin PD in 2008. He is currently recovering at a local hospital.

Pittman was shot in the knee Thursday morning when the SWAT team was serving a search warrant for suspected narcotics trafficking and sales. They entered the building and used a loudspeaker to announce who they were. That is when police say the suspect rounded the corner upstairs with a long gun and opened fire.

Related:

Video: Austin SWAT Officer Shot Executing Search Warrant

Editorial

Maximizing Fleet Efficiency and Accountability with Traka Key Management Solutions

Maximizing Fleet Efficiency and Accountability with Traka Key Management Solutions

Pol 07 17 2023 Hi Res Cover375x480

SPECIAL REPORT: Officer Health & Safety

Banner Final Gettyimages 1310108875 170667a

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Navigating Emerging Drugs for Law Enforcement

Banner Final Gettyimages 470407026 170667a

How to Support More Effective De-Escalation and Use-of-Force Training

Ohio Bill to Cover Drug Dog Replacement

Bill proposes grants of up to $20,000 to help departments replace marijuana-sniffing dogs post-legalization.

The legalization of marijuana complicates what to do with police dogs imprinted on the smell.

Georgia Agency Adds Tech to Protect Police K-9s in Hot Cars

Cobb County Police Department adds heat alarm systems to seven police vehicles.

The ACE K-9 Heat Alarm System triggers multiple vehicle systems should temperatures inside the vehicle reach unsafe levels.

National K-9 Veterans Day Highlights Need for Support

The costs of a police dog do not end with retirement. Hurricane's Heroes helps defray veterinary expenses after dog's retire.

Denver-Area Woman Wins $3.76 Million in Lawsuit Over SWAT Raid

According to court documents and statements from American Civil Liberties Union Colorado, which brought the case, the detectives pursued a search warrant for Ruby Johnson's home based on claims that Apple's "Find My iPhone" feature pinged Johnson's house.

Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Deaths of Missouri Officer, Pedestrian

Twenty-year-old Jerron Lightfoot had a court hearing Friday where he pleaded guilty two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter in the 2023 deaths of 42-year-old Kansas City Officer James Muhlbauer and 52-year-old Jesse Eckes.

Kansas City, Missouri, Officer James Muhlbauer and his K-9 champ were killed in a 2023 crash. The man responsible for their deaths has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

Florida Sheriff’s K-9 Dies Days After Being Wounded in Shootout

K-9 Leo was wearing a bullet-resistant vest when shot once by a suspect during a call in Silver Springs. The bullet struck the K-9 in an area not covered by his armor.

Marion County, Florida, Sheriff's K-9 Leo with his handler Corporal Justin Tortora. Leo was mortally wounded in a shooting Saturday.

Burnsville Police Radio Reveals Horror of Shooting that Killed 2 Officers

While officers attempted to negotiate, they say the suspect, identified as Shannon Cortez Gooden, opened fire with a rifle.

Defenders for Children Places Two Electronic Sniffing K-9s

Donations made possible through funding from Gripple and ASC Equipment Co.

DHS to Boost K-9 Presence at Border

6 States Eye Increased Prison Terms, Fines for Harming Police K-9s

Advocates assert the cost of police dogs, their vital role in public protection, and their bond with officers support the need for stricter penalties.

Ai Generated 8475483 640

K-9 Bite Incident Proceeds to Trial

U.S. District Judge orders trial in lawsuit against Pierce County Sheriff’s Department K-9 handler.

K-9 Finds Meth Hidden in Dog Treat Boxes

Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office reports police dog sniffed out 10 pounds of methamphetamine during traffic stop.

Page 2 of 503