AUSTIN, Texas - Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore said there are currently 10 open investigations into allegations against the Austin Police Department. The allegations stem from the Austin Police Department's handling of days of demonstrations and protests.
Protests in Austin have, for the most part, been peaceful. However, there were two separate incidents where young men were critically injured by police officers. In another incident, a pregnant woman was struck in the hand.
In a statement that was released, Moore announced that prosecutors from her office are being assigned to the 10 cases that are currently open. The prosecutors will be reviewing the status of each investigation daily, according to Moore.
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"As soon as we learned of the allegations arising out of the recent protests, we requested and were granted access to the investigations currently being conducted by the Special Investigations Unit of the Austin Police Department," Moore said. "There are ten such cases currently open. We have assigned prosecutors and are joining the investigations. We are reviewing the status of these investigations daily."
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Several incidents have led to investigations and discussions over the use of force by the Austin Police Department. In two separate incidents, two people were critically injured because of the tactics used by police on Sunday, May 31.
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Brother of Brad Levi Ayala speaks at special meeting held by Austin City Council
The brother of the 16-year-old boy who is undergoing neurological testing after an officer with APD shot him in the head Saturday with a “less lethal” bean-bag round gave a heartbreaking speech at Austin City Council's special meeting.
Justin Howell, a 20-year-old black male, was struck in the head with a less-lethal impact emission in front of APD headquarters in downtown Austin. Brad Levi Ayala, a 16-year-old Hispanic male, was also struck in the forehead in a separate incident.
Officers also allegedly fired more less-lethal impact emissions at the protesters when they attempted to bring Justin Howell over to the police officers so he could receive medical attention.
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Protesters carry Justin Howell to police officers for medical attention
Officers allegedly fired more less-lethal impact emissions at the protesters when they attempted to bring the victim over to the police officers. Video credit: David Frost
Read the full statement below:
"As soon as we learned of the allegations arising out of the recent protests, we requested and were granted access to the investigations currently being conducted by the Special Investigations Unit of the Austin Police Department.
There are ten such cases currently open. We have assigned prosecutors and are joining the investigations. We are reviewing the status of these investigations daily."
Margaret MooreTravis County District Attorney
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