The Austin Police Department (APD) continues to investigate the in-custody death that occurred on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 8801 S. IH 35.

APD continues to work diligently to build trust within our community. As per our policy, we share information about a critical incident within ten business days of its occurrence. Transparency and accountability are key to our ability to serve the Austin community, so we will provide an account of this critical incident to help you understand the chain of events. APD is working with the Office of Police Oversight and the City of Austin to release this information today. The press release includes links to the relevant audio and video from the ongoing investigation. The Travis County District Attorney's Office reviewed the audio and video materials identified for public release. The details provided today are preliminary, as we are very early in the investigation.  
  
The two subject officers in this incident are Officer Brandon Langer and Officer David Lewis. Both officers have one year of service with the department.

At approximately 4:02 p.m., Austin 9-1-1 received multiple calls reporting an urgent disturbance at the Circle K Convenience Store located at 8801 S IH-35 Frontage Road. The 9-1-1 callers reported that a man, later identified as Jermaine Joseph Sims, wearing gray shorts and a white tank top, was “acting erratic” and “throwing things” inside the business. The callers requested Police, Austin-Travis County EMS (A/TCEMS), and Mental Health Services for Mr. Sims.  

At approximately 4:05 p.m., Mr. Sims stole a pick-up truck from one of the convenience store gas pumps, turned onto the southbound frontage road of IH 35 at Slaughter Ln., in the wrong direction, and crashed into multiple vehicles, causing minor injuries to the occupants of some of the vehicles he crashed into.    

At approximately 4:09 p.m., officers arrived on scene and at approximately 4:10 p.m., officers took Mr. Sims into custody. A/TCEMS arrived on scene and transported Mr. Sims to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 6:04 p.m. 

Because Mr. Sims died after being detained by APD officers, this incident is being investigated as an in-custody death. The cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.  

No officers or other members of the public were injured during the arrest of Mr. Sims.  
 
Currently, there are no charges pending, though the case remains under active investigation.   
   
This incident was captured on body-worn camera and a private community member’s dash camera. Body-worn camera videos do not always capture everything the officer or witnesses saw or experienced during the incident; however, the footage helps us understand what occurred.   
   
In compliance with state law, that prohibits the release of certain information, and to maintain the integrity of the investigation, the materials have been redacted.    
   
The footage shown includes portions of the incident that were captured on body-worn camera, and a private community member’s dash camera.

The materials include comprehensive footage of the officers' actions and contains graphic content and language. Viewer discretion is advised.      
   
MATERIALS BEING RELEASED: 

• Police Radio Traffic #1, starts at approximately 4:02 p.m.
• Five 9-1-1 audio calls, starting at approximately 4:02 p.m.
• Body-worn camera – Officer Brandon Langer starting at approximately 4:09 p.m.
• Private community member’s dash camera

**Note: at 4:09:43 p.m., Officer David Lewis’ body-worn camera (BWC) became detached, fell to the ground and did not provide clear video or audio content.

All of the released materials are available on APD's YouTube channel and other social media platforms. The link to the materials is below.    
   
Please click the link here: APD’s YouTube Channel.
   
Anyone with information is encouraged to call APD’s Special Investigation Unit at (512) 974-6840 or Capitol Area Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-8477. For the Capitol Area Crime Stoppers submission, you may submit a tip online at Austin Crime Stoppers - Capital City Area Crime Stoppers. You may remain anonymous.