This podcast is a May 23, 2021 news conference from College Station police chief Billy Couch about an officer involved shooting earlier in the day.

A College Station man who fired a rifle at two College Station police officers Sunday afternoon is dead after both officers returned fire.

The man who died was identified as 21 year old Roderick Devonne Merchant, Jr.

Police chief Billy Couch said officers responded during the noon hour to Eastmark apartments near Central Park after a woman reported Merchant pointed the rifle at her and demanded he let her inside. When she refused, the woman said Merchant entered two other apartments.

Couch said when officers arrived at the second floor apartment where Merchant was, officers saw a woman leaving the unit.

The chief said Merchant partially exited the apartment, he started talking with then officers, then he fired one shot into the ceiling.

Couch said a few minutes after Merchant was asked to drop his gun and exit down the stairway, Merchant advanced towards one of the two officers and began firing.

No officers were injured.

Couch said Bryan police chief Eric Buske agreed to take the lead on the investigation, with assistance from the Brazos County district attorney's office.

A CSPD spokesman said any officer involved will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation and an autopsy will be conducted.