4 Austin Police Officers Cleared Of Charges In 2019 Shooting

Austin TX

04 August, 2021

12:49 PM

Description

TRAVIS COUNTY, TX — A Travis County Grand Jury has dismissed all charges for four Austin police officers in the March 2019 shooting death of Isaiah Hutchinson. Officers Trey Nelson, DeAndre Wright, Zachary Woods and Dane O'Neil were cleared of all charges after a special grand jury did not return an indictment on any of the officers on Tuesday. "The District Attorney's office takes the work of presenting all facts and evidence to a grand jury very seriously," said Travis County District Attorney José 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 Officers Nelson, Wright, Woods, and O'Neil was lawful." Authorities said the incident took place on March 17, 2019 after a minor collision between a Maserati and a Monte Carlo at 7th and Neches Streets. Both cars kept driving a few blocks until they were at a stoplight at 7th Street and Interstate Highway 35. Officials said Hutchinson and one other person who was in the Maserati got out of the car and approached the Monte Carlo. Authorities said they had a brief exchange before someone, who was in the Maserati, punched the driver of the Monte Carlo. Afterwards, the driver of the Monte Carlo began firing his weapon. Hutchinson drew his weapon and fired it at the Monte Carlo. Hutchinson then ran in front of the Maserati and began firing his weapon at the direction of officers and bystanders. The district attorney's office said officers returned fire and struck Isaiah as he entered the Maserati before the car and Monte Carlo fled the scene. Officials said the Maserati was later found in the Mueller area with Isaiah's body left in the backseat. The driver of the Monte Carlo turned himself in and cooperated in the investigation. There are no charges against the driver of the Monte Carlo, authorities said. RELATED COVERAGE:Man Shot By Police In Round Rock After Pulling Gun 32-Year-Old Inmate Dies In Custody While At Travis County Jail Man In Critical Condition After Southeast Austin Shooting