Overview
- Trooper Jason Tye was indicted on a first-degree charge of aggravated assault by a public servant with a deadly weapon in the shooting of Elijah Barrientos.
- Prosecutors said community grand jurors found Tye’s conduct unlawful, and a conviction could carry a sentence of five to 99 years in prison.
- The case stems from a July 10, 2023 pursuit that began on I-35, ended at a North Austin car dealership, and concluded with Tye shooting Barrientos during a foot chase.
- CLEAT condemned the indictment, pledged to defend Tye, and highlighted Barrientos’ long criminal record and active warrants.
- Tye is out of jail awaiting trial, and Barrientos has also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging he posed no threat when he was shot.