Travis County Grand Jury Clears Officers Kirchberg and Pitcher

Travis County, TX — On Thursday, April 30, 2026, a Travis County grand jury concluded its review of the May 7, 2025, officer-involved shooting involving Austin Police Department Officers Ryne Kirchberg and Jake Pitcher and did not return an indictment for the officers.  

On May 7, 2025, Branson Berreles sustained gunshot wounds during an incident in which he was detained by APD Officers Kirchberg and Pitcher during a traffic stop. During the detention, Mr. Berreles attempted to evade the detention and, while doing so, reached towards his waistband, where he had secreted a firearm, in an apparent attempt to draw the weapon.

“The Travis County District Attorney’s office takes the work of presenting all facts and evidence to a grand jury very seriously,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “In this case, an independent group of members of the Travis County community heard the evidence and law and decided that Officers Kirchberg and Pitcher’s conduct was not unlawful.”

###