AUSTIN, Texas — Three Austin Police Department (APD) SWAT officers have been cleared by a Travis County grand jury following a deadly shooting last year.
Those officers shot and killed a suspect who killed family members and APD Senior Police Officer Jorge "George" Pastore during an incident on Bernoulli Drive in South Austin on Nov. 11.
Police said Mohamed Nassar killed two family members and stabbed a third before officers arrived. When SWAT officers went into the home, Nassar fired at them hitting two officers, including Pastore. He would later die at the hospital.
SWAT officers Jared Carruth, Kevin Olejar and Kevin De La Rue fired their weapons and Nassar died at the scene. The grand jury decided Thursday not to indict those officers.
Here's the statement released by Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza following the decision:
“Austin Police Department Senior Officer Pastore, SWAT Officers Carruth and Olejar, SWAT Sgt. De La Rue, and the injured officer should be commended for their acts of bravery and courage. They put their own safety and lives at risk, and our office is truly grateful for their service.”
Pastore started his career with APD in June 2019 before being commissioned as a police officer at the start of 2020. He also served as a paramedic and firefighter before moving to Austin.
Pastore is survived by his wife, stepchildren and his parents, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.