A former University of Texas police officer will permanently surrender his Texas peace officer license after reaching a plea deal with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, according to a Tuesday news release from the DA’s office.
Austin Dubois, the former officer, was charged with official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor, following a Texas Rangers-led investigation into allegations that he used excessive force against Laison Crenshaw in 2024 while Crenshaw was a patient at Dell Seton Medical Center. Dubois responded to a disturbance call at the hospital where he helped arrest Crenshaw, according to the DA’s release.
During the encounter, Dubois placed his knee on Crenshaw’s back for one minute even though the man was already handcuffed and lying prone on the floor. According to the DA’s office, Dubois later said he saw “no signs” that Crenshaw was breathing during the arrest, yet he still did not administer or request first aid. Crenshaw died five days later.
According to the release, the University of Texas Police Department requested that the Texas Department of Public Safety conduct an independent investigation into Crenshaw’s death. The Texas Rangers conducted that investigation and delivered a report to the Civil Rights Unit at the DA’s office, a specialized team of prosecutors tasked with leading cases against public servants.
“Our hearts go out to the Crenshaw family for the loss of Laison,” DA José Garza said in a written statement. “We are grateful to the Texas Rangers for bringing this incident to light, as this case was investigated collaboratively by their agency and our Civil Rights Unit. Ensuring accountability in law enforcement when laws are violated is essential for rebuilding community trust and maintaining the safety of our community.”
Per the plea deal, Dubois will have to permanently surrender his Texas peace officer’s license, complete a 180-day pretrial diversion program and submit a letter of apology to Crenshaw’s family. If Dubois successfully completes the terms of the deal, prosecutors will dismiss the case against him.