The Travis County District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against a Downtown Austin security guard who killed a man in what police say was an act of self-defense.
The Austin Police Department described the situation in a Thursday press release. At approximately 3:45 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance call at the Plains Capital Bank located at 201 West 5th Street.
Officers arrived to find a man lying on his back and appearing to snore. When officers attempted to contact the man, they found him unresponsive. The officers began live-saving measures until Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services arrived, but the man was pronounced deceased at 4:46 p.m.
An investigation found that the victim, who has yet to be identified, had previously entered the bank on multiple occasions and harassed employees.
“On this occasion, security asked him to leave the building,” the press release states. “During the interaction, the man, who was in a wheelchair, punched a security guard in the face. The security guard then struck him back in self-defense, causing him to fall to the ground.”
The man gathered his belongings and picked up his wheelchair, but later laid back down on the floor. That is where APD officers and ATCEMS medics found him.
The Travis County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and indicated no charges will be filed because the incident was determined to be an act of self-defense.
The case is being investigated as Austin’s 15th homicide of 2026. Anyone with information is asked to contact APD at 512-974-TIPS. Submit anonymous tips through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program online or by calling 512-472-8477.