The City of Brownwood issued the following press release Tuesday afternoon:

On July 24, 2025, the Brown County Grand Jury reviewed the July 8, 2025, officer-involved shooting of Holly Oliver and determined that no criminal actions were committed by any of the officers involved. The Grand Jury issued a “No Bill” for all officers, finding that their actions were a justified response as peace officers to an imminent threat of deadly force.

In accordance with customary practice in Texas, the Texas Rangers conducted the investigation into the incident. On July 24, 2025 the Grand Jury of Brown County found that no criminal actions were committed by any of the officers involved in the Holly Oliver shooting and that their actions on July 8, 2025 were a justified response as a peace officer to the imminent threat of deadly force being used against them when it “No-Billed” all officers involved in the shooting.

When there is an officer involved shooting it is customary practice for the Texas Rangers to investigate the incident. With the investigation complete, the City of Brownwood is releasing the body camera footage of the four officers involved in the incident.

Mayor Stephen E. Haynes of Brownwood said, “I want to speak openly and compassionately to our community about the officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 8, 2025. This incident represents one of the most difficult situations any officer or community can face. The magnitude of what happened that day is not lost on us. The decision to use deadly force is one no officer ever wants to make—and one we hope is never necessary. Yet, when confronted with an immediate and life-threatening danger, while being fired upon with an automatic weapon, our officers acted swiftly and in accordance with their duty to protect themselves and others.”

Haynes continued, “The video we are releasing was not published to sensationalize or glorify this incident. In fact, we deeply wish we were not in a position to share something of this nature. However, we recognize that transparency is vital to maintaining the trust of our community. This video has been assembled to provide clarity and factual context about what occurred. It is being shared out of respect for the public’s right to know and to help our community fully understand the magnitude of the situation and the heroism displayed by our officers in an extremely high-risk, unimaginable situation where lives were in immediate danger.”

The City of Brownwood commends the bravery, sacrifice, and heroism of several Brownwood Police Officers following a violent armed attack late Monday night, and into the early morning of Tuesday, July 8, 2025. In the face of grave danger, these officers stood their ground, defended their fellow citizens, and upheld their oath to protect and serve. Officers involved included Corporal Salazar, Officer Goodman, Officer Bessent, and Officer Holdar.

Corporal Salazar was struck multiple times by gunfire when he encountered the suspect, who fired an automatic rifle into patrol vehicles and toward officers throughout this incident, according to Brownwood Police accounts. Despite being wounded, CPL Salazar remained alert, calm, and committed to his role. His selflessness and resilience are a testament to the strength of character he brings to the badge.

“I am immensely proud of our officers for their exceptional response in the face of unthinkable danger. That night alone did not define our officers—it revealed their strength, courage, training and dedication that have always been part of who they are,” said City Manager Marshal McIntosh. “CPL Salazar didn’t suddenly become a hero in that moment; he simply showed the world what those of us who work with him already knew. All of our officer’s bravery under fire was extraordinary, but it was also consistent with the way they approach every shift—with a deep sense of duty, calmness under pressure, and a commitment to protect others at all costs.”

Police indicate that the suspect drove to multiple separate patrol vehicles, stopping beside each one to fire bullets through the driver-side window and door.

When CPL Salazar arrived on scene and met the suspect vehicle face-to-face, the suspect opened fire at close range. Salazar, while seated in his driver’s seat, was able to return fire through his windshield while ducking toward the center of his vehicle. As bullets pierced the glass, and dust and glass shards filled the air, Salazar was shot in the left shoulder.

Despite his injuries, CPL Salazar exited his vehicle, returned fire, and took command of the scene— directing fellow officers to safe positions, continuing the fight, and ultimately leading the coordinated response that ended the threat. His courage in those critical seconds was not a reaction—it was a reflection of who he is: a leader, a protector, and a warrior for this community.

Alongside him, Officer Goodman, Officer Bessent, and Officer Holdar acted with equal resolve and bravery. Officers Goodman and Holdar were first to locate the suspect and formulated a plan to intercept. Police state that when the vehicle moved toward them, they reacted to his attack and engaged without hesitation. Officer Holdar was captured on video diving to the ground as gunfire erupted—then immediately returning fire to protect his team.

In those moments, Brownwood PD stood side by side—some standing, some kneeling, some lying in the street under fire—but none ever leaving each other’s side. They ran toward danger out of concern for one another.

Police state that more than 300 rounds were fired over the course of four minutes, spanning multiple city blocks at a scale not seen locally—matching that scale was unity and resolve of those who responded.

“Their actions were nothing short of heroic. We are deeply grateful —not only to the officers who stood in the line of fire, but also to the dispatchers who maintained critical communication under pressure, and to the partner agencies who responded without hesitation. It was a coordinated effort fueled by courage, professionalism, and shared commitment to protecting our community,” said McIntosh.

The City of Brownwood recognizes dispatchers Aaron McNeely, Charity Graves and Liana Winters for their clear communication, and coordination that were vital to ensuring our officers’ safety and a swift response by partner organizations. The City of Brownwood also extends sincere thanks to all partnering agencies, whose coordination and support were instrumental in bringing the situation under control, including the Brownwood Fire Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Early Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, AMR ambulance service, Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood, and other partnering agencies.

“I am immensely proud of the actions of each of these officers. Their work that night was nothing short of a miracle and a testament to their dedication toward training and for watching after one another,” said interim Police Chief James Fuller. “Each shift truly works as a family and genuinely for the safety of the community.”

Interim Chief Fuller further stated, “Sergeant Jesse Mares is the Shift Commander for this squad and our lead instructor for the course, Vehicle Close Quarter Battle. The purpose of this course is to teach officers how to respond to immediate threats by gunfire while inside or around a vehicle. Sgt Mares was not present at the shooting, yet each officer has credited his dynamic instruction with keeping them alert and engaged throughout the incident. The training they received from Sgt Mares saved lives that night.”

The City of Brownwood is committed to supporting all officers and personnel, along with their families post incident and to formally recognize the heroic actions of all those involved at an appropriate time in the future.

For the full press release and critical incident video, visit: btxgov.info/BPDcriticalincident