FLATONIA — More details have emerged regarding an officer-involved
shooting first reported in the Nov. 21 edition of The Banner Press. A release from Flatonia Police Chief Lee Dick stated that just after 5 p.m. on Nov. 18, a Flatonia officer, identified later as Offi cer Billy Kalina, was contacted about an individual experiencing a mental health crisis at Timewise convenience store in Flatonia.
The initial report came from an officer of a neighboring county who happened to be at the store and witnessed the situation.
The subject reportedly placed a gun to his head upon Kalina's arrival, but Kalina calmly talked the individual into putting the weapon down. The subject was taken into custody, and mental health authorities were contacted.
While detained, the subject managed to move his handcuffs to the front and attacked the officer.
Fearing for his life, the officer dis - charged his firearm, causing a bullet to graze the suspect’s arm. Bystanders assisted in subduing the subject, and arriving officers placed him back into custody.
Other law enforcement officers and Fayette County EMS responded to the scene. The officer and the suspect, iden - tified as Brandon Durst, a non-native resident of Flatonia, were taken to separate hospitals for treatment and then released.
After being discharged, Durst was taken to the Fayette County jail, where he is currently in custody.
The Flatonia Police Department has passed the investigation to the Texas Rangers for further investigation, which is standard practice in such cases.
