Texas Rangers Complete Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation

The Texas Rangers have completed an investigation into an officer-involved shooting.   On February 27, 2019, the Killeen Police Department served a search warrant at 215 West Hallmark Avenue and during this operation, James Reed was killed in an armed confrontation with Killeen police officers.

Per standard department protocol, the Texas Rangers were requested to conduct a thorough, non-biased investigation of the officer-involved shooting.  The investigation revealed that projectiles were fired into the back of the residence. While these rounds did not result in any injuries, they were not in compliance with the planned operation.

Anthony Custance, who was a member of the Killeen Police Department Tactical Response Unit, was ultimately identified as the responsible party despite deceptive conduct and attempts to interfere with the progress of the investigation, including tampering with his rifle and ammunition. The results of the investigation were forwarded to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution of the former Killeen police officer.

The Killeen Police Department began an internal investigation into Custance’s actions.  Custance resigned during the course of these investigations.

On Wednesday, June 5, 2019, the Texas Rangers presented their entire investigation to the Grand Jury.  No further investigation or action will be made by the Grand Jury in connection with the execution of the search warrant.  The Grand Jury did return an indictment against Anthony Custance for Tampering with Evidence.

On Thursday, June 6, 2019, Anthony Custance turned himself into the Bell County Jail and was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman who set his bond at $100,000.

“Killeen Police Department has a very clear code of ethics, and this officer’s actions during and after the incident were unacceptable,” said Chief Charles Kimble. “Public trust is paramount to law enforcement, and unethical behavior within the department will not be tolerated.”

The Killeen Police Department would like to thank the community for its support and patience while these investigations were completed.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department