Killeen Police Officer on Leave After Firing Weapon During Stop
A Killeen Police Department officer has been placed on administrative leave after discharging his weapon during a traffic stop Tuesday night.
Ofelia Miramontez with KPD Public Affairs reports that the officer stopped two people in the area of Veteran's Memorial and Condor Street at approximately 10:15 PM.
Suspecting the presence of narcotics, the officer reportedly asked to see the driver's hands. The driver refused to comply, and the officer called for assistance.
"As the situation progressed," Miramontez reports, "the driver appeared to try to exit the vehicle, opening the door into the officer, who pushed the door closed. As the situation continued to develop, the officer discharged his weapon."
The driver was taken to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple with non-life-threatening injuries. The passenger was uninjured, and was taken into custody for an unrelated warrant.
KPD's Criminal Investigation Division and Internal Affairs Unit responded to the scene following the shooting and requested an independent investigation by the Texas Rangers. According to Miramontez, the Rangers will lead the primary investigation, while Internal Affairs will conduct an administrative review.
Police have not released the name of the officer, driver, or passenger.