TEXAS RANGERS INVESTIGATING AN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING IN FLATONIA

  

The Texas Rangers have been called in to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred on Monday night in Flatonia.

Flatonia Police were dispatched at 5pm to the Timewise Convenience Store for a report of “an individual in crisis.” The call came from a Lavaca County Constable, who happened to be at the business at the time, and observed the situation.

Officer Wilbert “Billy” Kalina arrived on the scene, located the subject, and determined that he posed a credible threat to himself. Flatonia Police Chief Lee Dick told the Fayette County Record that the subject was threatening suicide and in possession of weapons.

The man was eventually able to be taken into custody and the mental health authorities were called.

While being detained, the subject managed to move his handcuffs from behind his back to in front of him. Chief Dick said that he then tried to used the handcuffs to strangle Officer Kalina. During the struggle, Kalina discharged his firearm, and grazed the subject.

Bystanders assisted in subduing the man. Other law enforcement agencies and the Fayette County EMS came to the scene.

Kalina and the subject were taken to different hospitals where they were treated and released.

The suspect, who was identified in the Fayette County Record as 33-year-old Brandon Durst of San Antonio, was arrested and taken to the Dan R. Beck Justice Center in La Grange where he was charged with Assaulting a Peace Officer.

According to Chief Dick, calling the Texas Rangers to come in and investigate the shooting is standard procedure.