#austinpd

[samjgrasso]

Status Update: Austin Protesters and Medics Injured by Austin Police Department

On May 30 and May 31, Austin Police Department shot near-lethal munitions of blunt impact bullets called “rubber bullets” and  pellet balls encased in small bags known as “bean bag rounds” at protesters during a demonstration. Austin’s protests were a part of the nationwide revolts against police, state violence, and the carceral state. 

As a result, police near-fatally injured two people by shooting them in the head, one a teenager and the other 20 years old, and injured several other people. More information on the number of people injured in Austin’s protests, from the Intercept, emphasis mine:

Over the first four days of protests in the city, paramedics responded to 53 calls for medical help. Twenty-nine of those required transportation to a hospital; of those injuries, 11 were believed to have been caused by beanbag rounds. Many were life-threatening, the city’s Emergency Medical Services chief told the city council.

Following APD’s violence against protesters, Police Chief Brian Manley said APD would stop firing less lethal projectiles into crowds, but would still use them in other instances. Manley’s restrictions are meaningless, however, as at least one of Austin police’s victims wasn’t in a crowd during the protests, and was in an open field by himself when they shot him.

According to the Austin Monitor, five officers have been put on paid leave while APD investigates certain incidents:

Nicholas Gebhart, 7.5 years with APD

Kyu An, 3.5 years with APD

Kyle Felton, 1 year with APD

Derrick Lehman, 10 years with APD

John Siegel, 3.5 years with APD

It’s been nearly 40 days since May 31. Many of the people who Austin police injured are still in recovery. Here are the latest updates on some of the people who APD attacked, and where they or their family is collecting donations for their recovery. 

I wasn’t able to find updates or social media posts for several people, but please email me at samjgrasso at gmail dot com if you have an update you’d like to share, or would like to add someone to this collection of updates.

Justin Howell

Screenshot via the Battalion

Justin Howell is a 20-year-old Texas State student who APD shot in the head with a pellet ball-filled ammunition at close range. His older brother Joshua, a graduate student at Texas A&M University, has been speaking for their family and writing about Justin’s experience for the university’s newspaper. In Joshua’s first article, he wrote, “He has a fractured skull. He has brain damage. Doctors anticipate that when he wakes up, he will have difficulty telling his left from his right.��

On June 23, Joshua wrote that Justin spent three weeks in the ICU following the APD’s attack, and was sedated for two-and-a-half weeks of that time because of his brain injury, which doctors confirmed was caused by the impact of the ammunition. He wrote that Justin still eats through a feeding tube, and that he recently transferred to a “long-term rehabilitation facility” for intensive neurological, physical and occupational therapy.

The GoFundMe page collecting donations for Justin is still active, and has accumulated $213,269 in donations so far.

Levi Ayala

Screenshot via Texas Monthly

Levi Ayala is a 16-year-old student at KIPP Austin Brave High School. He had gone to the protest on May 31 to watch it when, and was standing by himself when Austin police shot him in the head with a bean bag round. 

According to Texas Monthly, the munition fractured Ayala’s skull and required a seven hour surgery, during which doctors removed the bullet, stopped the bleeding, and grafted skin onto the entrance wound. At a virtual city council meeting, Levi’s brother Edwin cried that the bullet damaged his prefrontal cortex and left him in immense pain. Edwin said at the time that Levi wouldn’t have permanent brain damage.

Levi left the hospital within the week, still in pain, including whiplash from being hit so hard. He’ll require various forms of physical and mental therapies over the next few months.

The GoFundMe page collecting donations for Levi has been turned off for new donations, and accumulated $221,213 in donations.

Anthony Evans 

Screenshot via GoFundMe

Anthony Evans is 26 years old. He was protesting with his twin brother Arthur when Austin police shot him in the face with a bean bag round. 

Anthony told KVUE that he underwent two surgeries across three days, and would have his jaw wired shut for the following six weeks. Doctors also surgically implanted a titanium plate into his jaw. He said he was jogging away from police when he was shot in the cheek. 

Anthony also told Now This that his phone was dead and he didn’t know what to do, so he walked the 8 miles to his home. Three miles in, he asked some police in a car stopped at a sign for help because he was injured, and they said they couldn’t help him and needed to go shut down the protest near the highway. Doctors determined Anthony had three different injuries in his mouth.

Arthur posted on Facebook saying that they’re collecting donations for his medical bills via Arthur’s CashApp and Venmo accounts.

The GoFundMe page collecting donations for Anthony is still active, and has accumulated $41,535 in donations so far.

Bomani Ray Barton

Screenshot via bomaniraybarton/instagram

Bomani Ray Barton is a 23-year-old musician. He was protesting on May 30 when, after following APD’s orders to back up, Austin police shot him three times, in the face, arm and hip with rubber bullets, another near-lethal ammunition. According to the GoFundMe page raising his medical funds, surgeons wired Bomani’s jaw shut after his mouth was ripped and his teeth were knocked out, and his jaw was fractured. Bomani said on his Instagram that his jaw will be wired for 6 to 8 weeks.

"The shots felt like blunt force swings of a bat impacting my body," Bomani told Austin Chronicle. "It didn't hurt as bad as the swelling and the sleepless nights though. The struggle of this financial and legal [fight] outweighs the pain of the shots."

On July 8, Bomani can be seen playing alongside Haris Qureshi and Kydd Jones for Jones’ set for Blues on the Screen, a virtual event to be screened on Fox 7 Austin and played on 97.1FM Austin City Limits Radio, curated by musician Jackie Venson.

The GoFundMe page collecting donations for Bomani is still active, and has accumulated $21,635 in donations so far. He’s also taking donations on his CashApp.

Saraneka “Nemo” Martin

Screenshot via Fox 7 Austin/Facebook

Saraneka “Nemo” Martin is a 24-year-old pregnant Black mother with two children who was protesting with her husband when APD shot her in the stomach twice and the back, and the back of her head with bean bag munitions, then brutally dragged her onto the ground. Following the attack, Saraneka was described as sore, “barely walking,” and “pretty rattled.”

On Twitter, Saraneka created an account following the protest to identify herself, and shared graphic photos and videos of the welts left behind by the rubber bullets. At a June 12 press conference, Saraneka said her health was “day by day at this point,” and that her pregnancy is still seven weeks along but that doesn’t confirm there won’t be complications later on. She also said the bean bag munition shot at her head had been embedded in her wig and took days to remove, and she was using a cane as a result of her injuries.

The GoFundMe page collecting donations for Saraneka is still active, and has accumulated $32,275 in donations so far.

Nikki Underwood

Screenshot via RatBath/YouTube

Nikki Underwood is a musician who was protesting the police when APD shot her from about 10 feet away, shooting down at her. The bean bag ammunition required surgery to be removed from the side of her chest. (You may have seen a photo circulating of the munition, bloody, in the palm of a gloved hand — this was a munition removed from Nikki’s body.) On a video in her GoFundMe, Nikki said she was released from the ER following her surgery and asked that people continue to donate, as she didn’t know what was next for her. 

The GoFundMe page collecting donations for Nikki is still active, and has accumulated $12,225 in donations so far.

Maredith Drake

Screenshot via GoFundMe

Maredith Drake was a medic volunteer with Austin Street Medics during the protests. While she and other volunteers attempted to carry an injured Justin Howell to APD headquarters, Austin police shot at them. Meredith, who held up and crossed her hands to indicate that she was coming for medical attention, was hit in the hands by a bean bag munition. 

A GoFundMe page created for Maredith says her husband recently lost his job and that she couldn’t move her hands to perform household or work duties. On June 9, she posted that her left hand needed surgery, and that it’d be permanently damaged without it. 

I’d also like to point out that Maredith has posted on Facebook and told press several times that she thinks her story isn’t important and that they should be focusing on the stories of people of color. 

The GoFundMe page collecting donations for Maredith is still active, and has accumulated $10,986 in donations so far.

Steve Arawn 

Screenshot via GoFundMe

Steve Arawn is a 43-year-old volunteer medic who was part of the Austin Street Medics team assisting injured protesters, and was helping a woman who had been shot when Austin Police shot him in the arm with a bean bag munition. 

On YouTube on June 8, Steve thanked the donors to his GoFundMe, and required an MRI for his injuries — his fingers felt sensitive and painful when he put pressure on them, or straightened out his arm. On June 15, Steve still didn’t have information about his condition but was still in constant pain, but the findings of the MRI got him referred to a hand specialist.

His GoFundMe page describes him as a gig worker, and on Facebook he’s asking for opportunities to work that don’t require him to use his dominant hand while healing. On Facebook he recently posted an update describing his hand as having experienced nerve damage.

The GoFundMe page collecting donations for Steve is still active, and has accumulated $2,991 in donations so far.

[d5220-blog]

#arrested #jail #nashgram #police #arrest #explore #bail #news #austin #travisco #austinpolice #austintxart #austinpd #austintxpolice #austintxlife #austintx #austintxhair #austinstyle #austinmodels #austinlove #austinmusic #austinmugshots #exploreaustin #apd #austintattoo #txcrime #austincrime #scoopaustin #austinarrests #prisonbreak https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm37I1Ur9mt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ericskadson]

Protesters peacefully unite outside of Austin Police Department on June 5, 2020. • • • 📸: @ericskadson • • • #blm #policebrutality #protest #protestsigns #justiceforgeorgefloyd #justiceforbreonnataylor #justice #austintexas #atx #austinpd #downtown #downtownaustin #unitedwestand #icantbreathe #peacefulprotest (at Downtown Austin) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBFP3VjFRjz/?igshid=zlk8elm070cz

[sethgranville]

Austin Police Department-Highway Enforcement Travis County, Texas HE102 2002 Ford Expedition Paint scheme retired in 2008 #austinpd #austinpolice #fordexpedition #ford #policecar #highwaypatrol #police #texaspolice #austintx #policeofficer #lawenforcement #patrolcar #policesuv #suv #fordpolicecar #sethgranville #x635photos (at Pflugerville, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6EOly_h9Z2/?igshid=1edwc0ypwtkth

[ackleserendipity]

@JensenAckles: RT @DanneelHarris: Thank you to @chief_manley and all of our brave first responders @Austin_Police for ending this nightmare and keeping us all safe. ❤️#Austinbomber #Austin #AustinPD [x]

[kevindurkiin]

“Violent Weekend” In Austin: Shooting Near SXSW Leaves One Injured

A shooting near SXSW festival in Austin, Texas has left one person injured, according to multiple reports. Shots were fired early Sunday morning near 6th Street, an area nearby many bars and venues host to SXSW events.

The shooting was part of an overall “violent weekend” in Austin. According to Deadline, there were three other incidents that involved firearms within a 24-hour span that put five more people in the hospital.

“We are not going to let our entertainment district be turned into a place where shootings become a common occurrence,” Austin police chief Brian Manley said in a statement following the crimes.

SXSW kicked off on March 8th and ends today.

#AustinPD is working a shooting call in the 300 block of E. 6th St. One person will be transported to the hospital. Individuals have been detained, but still searching for others that may have been involved. Please avoid the area as the investigation continues.

— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 17, 2019

  H/T: FACT Mag | Source: Deadline

This article was first published on Your EDM. Source: “Violent Weekend” In Austin: Shooting Near SXSW Leaves One Injured

“Violent Weekend” In Austin: Shooting Near SXSW Leaves One Injured published first on https://soundwizreview.tumblr.com/

[bluebuzzmusic]

“Violent Weekend” In Austin: Shooting Near SXSW Leaves One Injured

A shooting near SXSW festival in Austin, Texas has left one person injured, according to multiple reports. Shots were fired early Sunday morning near 6th Street, an area nearby many bars and venues host to SXSW events.

The shooting was part of an overall “violent weekend” in Austin. According to Deadline, there were three other incidents that involved firearms within a 24-hour span that put five more people in the hospital.

“We are not going to let our entertainment district be turned into a place where shootings become a common occurrence,” Austin police chief Brian Manley said in a statement following the crimes.

SXSW kicked off on March 8th and ends today.

#AustinPD is working a shooting call in the 300 block of E. 6th St. One person will be transported to the hospital. Individuals have been detained, but still searching for others that may have been involved. Please avoid the area as the investigation continues.

— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 17, 2019

  H/T: FACT Mag | Source: Deadline

This article was first published on Your EDM. Source: “Violent Weekend” In Austin: Shooting Near SXSW Leaves One Injured

source https://www.youredm.com/2019/03/17/shooting-near-sxsw-austin/

[zanybouquetturtleuniverse]

austinwoodandmetal.com/handyman.html #AustinPD is working a shooting call in the 300 block of E. 6th St. One person will be transported to the hospital. Individuals have been detained but still searching for others that may have been involved. Please avoid the area as the investigation continues.

[synergybydesign]

Austin Bombing Suspect Kills Himself In Explosion As Police Move In For Arrest #austinbombings #AustinTX #austinPD https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/03/21/595457452/authorities-in-austin-say-latest-package-bombs-sent-by-same-person

[zeroviraluniverse-blog]

Austin bombings: Suspect dead after detonating device, police say

Visit Now - http://zeroviral.com/austin-bombings-suspect-dead-after-detonating-device-police-say/

Austin bombings: Suspect dead after detonating device, police say

Media playback is unsupported on your device

Media caption“The suspect is deceased,” says police chief Brian Manley

A suspect linked with a series of deadly parcel bombs targeting Austin, Texas, is dead after a major police operation, officials say.

The suspect was killed after detonating a device when officers approached his car off an interstate highway in the Round Rock area of the state capital.

FBI agents are reportedly now carrying out an investigation at the scene.

The incident follows four bomb attacks in Austin, the state capital, and one in Schertz, 65 miles (104km) south.

How did events unfold?

Late on Tuesday, the Austin police department used footage from a FedEx store on Brodie Lane in south Austin to identify the suspect.

After using the Google search engine to gather information on the suspect’s online browsing history, which showed searches on facilities which were used to ship packages, authorities later managed to locate his vehicle.

In the early hours of Wednesday, police and federal officers then took up positions around a parking area belonging to a hotel in Round Rock.

Image copyright Reuters

Image caption Police investigate an incident involving explosives in Austin on Tuesday

As they waited for tactical teams to arrive, the vehicle started to drive away, forcing officers to pursue it.

When the vehicle eventually pulled over, armed officers approached, but the suspect then detonated a bomb, injuring one officer and causing another to open fire.

Skip Twitter post by @Austin_Police

APD is working an Officer Involved Shooting in the 1700 block of N. IH-35. Media staging area will be at the Sherwin Williams Paint, 3321 N. IH-35. APD PIO will be en-route.

— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 21, 2018

End of Twitter post by @Austin_Police

Police later confirmed that it was the blast that killed the suspect, who they said could not be named until he was positively identified and the next of kin had been informed.

Austin police chief Brian Manley said that local residents should “remain vigilant”, and urged anyone who noticed a suspicious package to contact the authorities.

“We don’t know where the suspect has been over this past 24 hours,” he said, adding that it was possible that additional devices may have been distributed.

Mr Manley also praised his colleagues in a tweet. “I can’t thank the men and women of #AustinPD or our Federal partners enough for their tireless work in restoring peace to our community,” he said.

Earlier, CCTV images of a “person of interest” were shared on US media showing a white male with blond hair carrying a number of large packages at a FedEx store in Austin.

Austin has been on edge amid the attacks, which have led to the deployment of hundreds of police officers to the city.

Two people have been killed and six injured in the bombings.

What do we know about the bombings?

Authorities have said that a series of blasts that began in Austin in early March – involving package bombs and a tripwire – were all related:

2 March: A device explodes at Anthony Stephan House’s home in Austin, killing the 29-year-old man

13 March: Draylen William Mason, 17, is killed and his mother is critically injured after he brings a package inside his home from the doorstep in Austin

13 March: Hours later, a 75-year-old Hispanic woman, who has not been named, is injured by another package in the state capital

18 March: A device injures two men who may have set off a tripwire while walking along a street in Austin

20 March: A parcel bomb explodes at a FedEx depot in Schertz, slightly injuring one person. Police said the parcel had been due to be shipped to Austin

Media playback is unsupported on your device

Media captionTexas explosions: What we know about bombings

What has President Trump said?

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday praised the work of the authorities in Austin.

“Great job by law enforcement and all concerned!” he tweeted.

Mr Trump said earlier that “a very, very sick individual, or maybe individuals” carried out the blasts and pledged justice for the victims.

[tmclaude]

Tweeted

https://t.co/wv53SCR6VL#AustinPD #Austin #Brutality pic.twitter.com/b1xkAlq6Eh

— IGO.NEWS (@IGODOTNEWS) February 1, 2018

[raginrose]

Say I'm lying!!! #texaspopo #austinpd #theybesearching