Case:  23-2181241

Date:  August 6, 2023
 
Time:  9:00 p.m.
 
Location:  10028 Channel Island Drive
 
Suspect:  Dwayne Brzozowski, White male, 56-years-old

The Austin Police Department (APD) continues to investigate the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m.
 
APD understands the importance of building trust within our community and will continue working diligently to develop a strong and trusting relationship. As per our policy, we share information about a critical incident within ten business days of its occurrence. APD is working with the Office of Police Oversight and the City of Austin to release this information today. The press release includes links to the relevant audio and video from the ongoing investigation. The Travis-County District Attorney's Office reviewed the audio and video materials identified for public release. The details provided today are preliminary, as we are very early in the investigation.
 
The Detective who was injured and discharged his Department-approved firearm is Detective Daniel Jackson. Detective Jackson has eight years and eleven months of service with the Department. The other Detective who discharged his Department-approved firearm is Detective Christopher Van Buren. Detective Van Buren has ten years and three months of service with the Department. Per APD protocol, both Detectives have been placed on administrative leave.
 
APD will conduct two concurrent investigations into this incident: a criminal investigation conducted by the APD Special Investigations Unit in conjunction with the Travis County District Attorney's Office and an administrative investigation conducted by the APD Internal Affairs Unit, with oversight from the Office of Police Oversight.
 
Transparency and accountability are key elements needed to serve and build relationships within the Austin community. Below is the chain of events related to this critical incident that will help you understand what took place. The details provided are preliminary, as we are very early in the investigation.
 
At 6:55 p.m., Austin 9-1-1 Communications received a call requesting a welfare check on a resident who lives at 10028 Channel Island Drive. The caller said he had not seen his neighbor for 6 to 8 months and stated he knocked on the residence door throughout the month with no answer. The caller provided more details that indicated something could be wrong.

At approximately 7:58 p.m., Detective Daniel Jackson and Detective Christopher Van Buren wearing Austin Police uniforms were working in a patrol capacity when they responded to the “Check Welfare” call for service at the address. The Detectives made contact with the concerned community member, who expressed their fear for the resident’s welfare and confirmed the information provided to 9-1-1. The Detectives inspected the front door, inspected the residence, and noted that the home seemed in disrepair. The backyard had abnormal vegetative growth and appeared it had not been maintained in some time. Based on the information provided by the community member and the Detectives’ observations, the Detectives decided that entry into the home was necessary to ensure the welfare of the resident.

The Detectives contacted their supervisor with their findings and authorization to attempt entry was given. The Detectives approached the front door and knocked on it to attempt to contact the resident and received no response. Detective Van Buren kicked open the door in order gain access to check the welfare of the resident. As the door opened, and before entering the residence, the Detectives identified themselves as Austin Police. The resident said, "What?" and the Detectives again identified themselves as Austin Police. Within seconds, the resident, later identified as Dwayne Brzozowski, moved toward the Detectives with a firearm. Detective Jackson said, "Gun!" and both Detectives quickly retreated and moved away from the residence in opposite directions. Mr. Brzozowski then came out of the residence with a firearm. Detective Van Buren communicated over the police radio to send backup as they were dealing with an armed individual. Detective Van Buren gave verbal commands to Mr. Brzozowski to drop the weapon. Detective Jackson had taken cover in the opposite direction in an open garage of the residence across the street.

As the Detectives took cover, Mr. Brzozowski began to fire shots from his firearm. Both Detectives were providing updates over the police radio, and other officers in the city rushed to the scene to assist. Mr. Brzozowski continued to fire shots in the direction of both Detectives. At one point, Mr. Brzozowski also shot the front door of a neighbor's residence and the marked police vehicle that was parked in front of his home.

At approximately 9:05 p.m., Detective Jackson stated over the police radio that he was shot and needed assistance. At approximately 9:10 p.m., a K-9 Officer was able to locate Detective Jackson in the open garage of a nearby residence and moved him to safety.

Detective Van Buren maintained cover at a nearby residence until other officers arrived. During the encounter, Detective Jackson and Detective Van Buren discharged their Department-approved firearms.

Mr. Brzozowski went back into his residence and at 9:17 p.m., a SWAT call-out was initiated to assist at the scene.

At approximately 11:57 p.m., Mr. Brzozowski exited his residence and surrendered to police without further incident. As he was taken into custody, it was apparent Mr. Brzozowski had a gunshot wound, and officers rendered medical aid to him. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition. The following charges have been filed against Mr. Brzozowski:
 
Two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant, a first-degree felony, and two counts of Deadly Conduct, a third-degree felony.
 
Austin-Travis County EMS transported Detective Jackson to a local hospital, where he was treated and released. No other civilians or officers sustained physical injuries.

This incident was captured on the two Detectives' body-worn cameras. Body-worn camera videos do not always capture everything the officer or witnesses saw or experienced during the incident; however, the footage helps us understand what occurred.
 
In compliance with state law that prohibits the release of certain information and to maintain the integrity of the investigation, the materials have been redacted.

The materials include comprehensive footage of the officers' actions and contain graphic content and language. Viewer discretion is advised. 
 
MATERIALS BEING RELEASED:  

• One 9-1-1 audio file
• One Police Radio Traffic audio file
• Body-worn camera - Detective Christopher Van Buren
• Body-worn camera - Detective Daniel Jackson
• Three Ring Camera Videos

All of the released materials are available on the Department's YouTube and other social media platforms. The link to the materials is below.
 
Please click the link here:  
 
Anyone with information is encouraged to call APD’s Special Investigation Unit at (512) 974-6840 or Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477. For the Capitol Area Crime Stoppers submission, you may submit a tip online at austincrimestoppers.org. You may remain anonymous.