KILLEEN, TX — A Killeen police officer is on administrative leave after he discharged his weapon while conducting a traffic stop.
Police said that on Feb. 18, at approximately 10:15 p.m., a patrol officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Veteran's Memorial and Conder Street.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the officer saw two people in the car and suspected narcotics. Police said the driver repeatedly failed to comply with officer commands to show his hands and the officer requested immediate assistance.
As the situation progressed, the driver appeared to try to exit the vehicle, opening the door into the officer, who pushed the door closed.
Police said during this time, the officer discharged his weapon. The driver was transported to Baylor Scott & White in Temple with non-life threatening injuries.
The passenger was taken into custody for an unrelated warrant. The Killeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division and Internal Affairs Unit responded to the scene and requested the assistance of the Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers for an independent investigation.
Police said that in accordance with policy, the Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an administrative review and the Texas Rangers will lead the primary investigation into this incident.
As per Killeen Police Department protocol, the officer will be placed on administrative leave.
