Austin Police Officers Cleared Of All Charges In 2019 Shooting

Austin TX

27 July, 2021

10:51 AM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Two Austin police officers have been cleared of all charges in the 2019 shooting death of Carlos Dodero, according to Travis County District Attorney José Garza. Officers Hugh Butler and William Bertelson were cleared by a Travis County special grand jury Monday in relation to the April 2019 shooting since the jury did not return an indictment on either officer. On April 29, 2019, police received several 911 calls regarding an intentional vehicle collision on the southbound lanes of N. Capital of Texas Highway near the 360 Bridge (also known as the Pennybacker Bridge). As a result of the collision, the hit car struck a woman, sending her into the air. The woman was able to get up and run towards other cars that were stopped in the roadway, away from the driver who initiated the collision, officials said. Authorities said the driver was later identified as Carlos Dodero. After the collision, Dodero exited his car and grabbed the victim in a bear-hug style and began to drag her away from the cars she sought protection from. Eyewitnesses grabbed Dodero and were able to take him to the ground, along with the victim. Dodero was held there in place, until he was allowed up, at which point he fled the scene, crossing the 360 Bridge southbound on foot and disappearing into a heavily wooded area located southwest of the bridge, the district attorney's office said. When Austin police arrived, along with other first responders, officers Bertelson and Butler responded with a law enforcement service dog. Together, the two officers were assigned to attempt to locate Dodero in the wooded area where he was last seen. After entering the wooded area, the service dog alerted officers on Dodero's whereabouts. Authorities said Butler could see Dodero about 15-20 yards into the brush hunched over in a crouched down position partially obstructed by the trees. Officials said officers gave commands to Dodero to show his hands. Dodero did not show his hands, but instead responded saying, "don't move, don't move, I'll shoot you, I'll shoot you, don't move, I have a gun, I will shoot you." Additional commands were given to Dodero to show his hands and to drop the weapon, as he was still hidden in the brush. Dodero suddenly extended his arm straight outward towards the officers. Fearing for their safety, both Officers fired their weapons at Dodero striking him multiple times. Officials said Dodero later died from his injuries. No firearm was recovered at the scene. "The District Attorney's office takes the work of presenting all facts and evidence to a grand jury very seriously," said District Attorney Garza. "In this case, an independent group of members of the Travis County community, heard the evidence and law and decided that the conduct of Officer Butler and Officer Bertelson was lawful." RELATED COVERAGE:Former WilCo Sheriff Robert Chody Drops Lawsuit Against Gleason Round Rock Sues Texas Comptroller Over Sales Tax Rule Grand Jury Clears Pflugerville PD Sergeant In 2020 Shooting