Overview
- An arrest affidavit says officers broke up a reported street takeover around 3:25 a.m. when a black Kia Optima accelerated and struck a uniformed officer, causing him to roll over the hood.
- The officer was taken to a hospital and treated for minor injuries, according to police and court filings.
- The driver, identified as 25-year-old Tanaezah Michelle Austin, is charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon on a government official.
- Court records show Austin was arrested on March 2 and released later that day on a $3,000 secured bond, with a probable cause hearing set for March 24; a retired police lieutenant noted the payment could be a few hundred dollars.
- Video of the encounter circulated on X and was initially shared with an incorrect description of the driver, while police union leaders and several Republicans criticized the bond decision and the district attorney's office declined comment due to rules on pending cases.