Scanner Audio Raises New Questions After Release of Texas Ranger Affidavit
By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
Scanner audio obtained by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose shortly after the June 1 officer-involved shooting is raising new questions after being compared with a recently released Texas Ranger search warrant affidavit.
The affidavit states investigators reviewed Deputy Kevin Tippit’s dash camera and body camera before preparing the search warrant. According to the document, the pursuit reached speeds of approximately 120 mph after Tippit activated his emergency lights and siren.
However, after reviewing all scanner traffic I was able to obtain beginning at midnight on June 1, the first pursuit-related radio traffic I located begins at approximately 12:08 a.m.
The scanner audio and the affidavit are both included below so readers can review the evidence for themselves.
What the Scanner Audio Reveals
The scanner traffic begins with officers discussing a pursuit involving a Dodge Challenger.
During the transmissions, officers can be heard reporting speeds of about 60 mph. Later, as the pursuit entered a residential neighborhood, officers reported speeds closer to 30 mph.
The scanner audio also captures Deputy Tippit reporting what he described as an “accidental discharge.”
Moments later, dispatch clarified there was a gunshot victim. Emergency crews requested a trauma kit and a tourniquet before CPR efforts began.
What the Texas Ranger Affidavit Says
The Texas Ranger affidavit describes a different timeline.
According to the affidavit, Deputy Tippit observed the Challenger around 12:06 a.m. on FM 2004. After activating his emergency lights and siren, investigators say the Challenger accelerated and reached approximately 120 mph while running six red lights.
The affidavit states the pursuit ended at a home on Indian Warrior Trail. Deputy Tippit entered the garage, discharged his firearm, and later radioed dispatch reporting an accidental discharge before rendering aid.
Why the Timeline Matters
The scanner audio reviewed by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose does not include pursuit traffic before approximately 12:08 a.m.
That does not necessarily mean the affidavit is incorrect.
Instead, it raises several important questions.
Additional radio traffic may have occurred on another channel that was not included in the scanner recordings available for review.
The times listed in the affidavit may also be approximate.
It is also possible investigators reconstructed the timeline using dash camera and body camera footage instead of scanner traffic.
How Was 120 MPH Determined?
Another unanswered question involves the reported speed.
The affidavit states investigators observed the pursuit on dash camera video. However, the document does not explain how the 120 mph figure was determined.
It is unclear whether investigators relied on the patrol vehicle’s speedometer, video analysis, onboard vehicle data, or another investigative method.
Additional records may answer that question in the future.
Read the Documents and Listen to the Audio
For transparency, I have included both the Texas Ranger affidavit and the scanner audio below.
I encourage readers to review both pieces of evidence and draw their own conclusions.
As more records become public, including dash camera video, body camera footage, dispatch logs, CAD records, and forensic reports, they may provide additional context about the timeline and the reported speeds.
Editor’s Note: The scanner audio included below reflects the recordings Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose was able to obtain. Additional law enforcement communications or evidence not included in those recordings may exist and could provide additional context.
Related Coverage
DA Seeks to Withhold Records in John Gabriel Mendoza Jr. Shooting Case
Deputy Kevin Tippit fired after fatal Lake Jackson shooting
Related Reading: Want to learn more about law enforcement investigations and use-of-force cases? Browse these books available on Amazon.
Police Use of Force by Seth Stoughton
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting independent journalism.
