The Austin Police Department (APD) continues to investigate the officer-involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at approximately 12:40 a.m. in the 800 block of East Braker Lane. 
 
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 in a timely manner. APD is working with the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) and the City of Austin to release this information today. The news release includes links to the relevant audio and video from the ongoing investigation. The Travis-County District Attorney's Office and OPO have 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 two officers who discharged their Department-issued firearms have the following years of service with the Department:

• Officer Jake Pitcher – 1 year, 7 months  
• Officer Ryne Kirchberg – 4 years, 6 months

Per APD protocol, the two officers 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. 
 
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at approximately 12:40 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers conducted a traffic stop in the 800 block of East Braker Lane. The traffic stop was conducted due to the driver failing to use a turn signal. Officers approached the vehicle, which had a female driver, a male passenger, and a young child inside in the backseat. Officer Ryne Kirchberg asked the male passenger, later identified as Branson Berreles, to step out of the vehicle after he stated he did not have identification. Mr. Berreles stepped out of the vehicle, and as Officer Kirchberg attempted to pat him down, he pushed through the officer and began to evade on foot. When Officer Kirchberg reached for him, he turned, pulled away, and began reaching towards his right hip area at his waistband. Next, he turned sideways in a defensive or “bladed” stance, and attempted to retrieve a firearm from his waistband. 
 
At approximately 12:41 a.m., Officer Kirchberg and Officer Pitcher fired shots and struck Mr. Berreles. The officers approached Mr. Berreles to safely restrain him and begin life-saving measures. Officers searched Mr. Berreles and located a firearm in the area where he had been reaching. Officers also located multiple magazines on his person. Mr. Berreles was transported to a local hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. 
 
At this time, charges against Mr. Berreles are pending. The specific charges to be filed remain under investigation.  
 
No other individuals, including the female driver, the young child, or the officers, were injured in the incident.  
 
This incident was captured on officers' 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:

• Police Radio Traffic Audio
• Officer Jake Pitcher - Body-worn camera
• Officer Jake Pitcher - Body-worn camera (reduced speed)
• Map of location of officer-involved shooting (pictured below)
• Five still photos from body-worn camera (pictured below)

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 (May 7, 2025 - Critical Incident - YouTube)    

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.