AUSTIN — A Department of Public Safety trooper reportedly shot a Leander man who was driving what authorities believe was a stolen vehicle during a chase with authorities, according to a news release from the Department of Public Safety.
DPS said that at 10:16 p.m. Saturday near Fawnridge Ridge Drive in North Austin, Dustin Lee Dougherty, 21, led authorities on a chase. Dougherty was traveling north on Lamar Blvd near Airport Blvd, in a stolen pickup truck, according to the affidavit. At some point during the chase, DPS said the 21-year-old put the vehicle in reverse and rammed into the DPS patrol car. That's when the trooper, identified as Austin Johnston, shot at the man, the affidavit said. The trooper was not injured in the incident.
Dougherty was taken to a hospital for his gunshot injury and later was released into the Travis County Jail. He has been charged with assaulting an officer, resisting arrest, resisting arrest in a vehicle and auto theft. His total bond is $160,000.
Johnston, who has been with the department for two years, is currently on administrative leave per DPS policy. Texas Rangers are currently investigating the case, DPS said.