AUSTIN, Texas — A security guard who shot and killed an armed man at an Austin H-E-B "acted appropriately," according to police.
Michael Rosario was shot to death on Sept. 27 at the H-E-B on Canyon Ridge Drive after police said he was armed with a knife and hubcap while acting erratically.
However, in an update on Wednesday, police said the security guard spent about 15 minutes trying to de-escalate the situation with Rosario, who appeared to be under the influence.
Police also praised the security guard's actions, saying the guard saved customers inside the store from a potential threat. A criminal investigation is ongoing, but no charges have been filed in the deadly shooting.
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Management and the lone security guard at the H-E-B confronted Rosario between the registers and the store's exit and repeatedly asked him to leave.
According to police, the security guard spent nearly 15 minutes trying to de-escalate the situation with Rosario, who was holding a basket with a hubcap and a large stick. Police said the guard maintained a safe distance and never had physical contact with Rosario.
At some point, Rosario displayed the hubcap like a shield to the security guard. The guard then drew his Taser, but Rosario didn't follow commands. Rosario then displayed a steak knife, according to police, while making jabbing motions at the guard.
Police said the guard ineffectively fired his Taser as Rosario continued to charge toward him. The guard drew his gun and fired four shots at Rosario who was later taken to the hospital and pronounced dead.
Det. Bryce Bishop with the Austin Police Department said the guard's actions prevented a bigger tragedy since Rosario was near the store's exit as families continued to leave and enter the store. Bishop said the security guard was employed as a "Level 4" uniformed guard with Allied Universal, who was licensed, wearing body armor and armed with a firearm and Taser.
Police said they have surveillance and body camera footage that cannot be released until they consult with the Travis County District Attorney's Office. They also don't know Rosario's living situation, but said he had ties to Austin.
KVUE reached out to H-E-B and Allied Universal for more information on the shooting. H-E-B has not responded, but Allied Universal sent the following statement:
"Because we value safety and respect privacy, we do not provide employment checks nor discuss client details when asked by the media or members of the public."