Newly released footage of a fatal 2022 traffic stop reveals a Texas deputy shooting an unarmed man and callously boasting “I just smoked a dude” while the victim died nearby.
At a Glance
- Former Sgt. Shane Iversen of Rusk County Sheriff’s Office fatally shot Timothy Michael Randall during a 2022 traffic stop
- Footage shows Randall was unarmed when shot while attempting to flee after a physical altercation
- Iversen was never charged, retired quietly, and fought to keep video evidence from being released
- A grand jury declined to indict Iversen, but a federal lawsuit filed by Randall’s mother continues
- The victim had drugs in his system and drug paraphernalia, but no weapon was found
Traffic Stop Turns Deadly
The incident occurred on September 14, 2022, in Turnertown, Texas, when former Rusk County Sheriff’s Sergeant Shane Iversen pulled over Timothy Michael Randall for allegedly running a stop sign. Dash camera footage shows Iversen asking Randall to exit his vehicle and attempting to search him. When Iversen tried to arrest Randall, a physical altercation ensued. As Randall attempted to flee, Iversen shot him in the chest. The autopsy later revealed the bullet caused severe internal damage, and Randall died from his injuries.
After the shooting, Iversen was captured on camera telling a colleague, “I just smoked a dude.” This callous statement has further inflamed public sentiment about the case. During the traffic stop, Randall had been on the phone with his mother, Wendy Tippitt, who would later become the driving force behind seeking justice for her son. A search of Randall’s vehicle found a meth pipe and crystal meth, but no weapons were discovered.
Texas deputy says on call: "I just smoked a dude" after killing unarmed man.
Newly released body cam reveals that Timothy Randall was shot just 1 minute into routine traffic stop—he had no weapon, his hands up, and was running away.
It took 2 years—and a federal lawsuit—before… pic.twitter.com/Rnt1YNkmXN
— LongTime🤓FirstTime👨💻 (@LongTimeHistory) April 29, 2025
Lack of Accountability
Despite the circumstances surrounding Randall’s death, Iversen was never charged with a crime. A grand jury declined to indict him just two months after the shooting, and he was permitted to retire quietly from the Sheriff’s Office. Furthermore, Iversen fought in court to prevent the release of the bodycam and dash cam footage, which was only made public two and a half years after the incident. This lack of transparency has raised serious questions about the internal investigation process.
Toxicology reports showed Randall had methamphetamine, marijuana, and alcohol in his system at the time of his death, though his blood alcohol content was below the legal limit. While these findings may have influenced the grand jury’s decision, legal experts note that drug use alone does not justify the use of deadly force against an unarmed, fleeing suspect. The case highlights ongoing debate about appropriate use of force protocols in law enforcement.
Mother’s Fight for Justice Continues
After receiving no answers from local law enforcement or the Texas Rangers, Tippitt filed a federal lawsuit seeking justice for her son. She only received the body camera footage almost two years after the incident. After viewing the evidence, Tippitt maintains that Iversen was the aggressor in the situation, not her son. The release of the footage has sparked protests in Rusk County, with community members condemning what they see as a clear case of police misconduct.
A judge has refused to dismiss Tippitt’s lawsuit, stating that a reasonable juror could find Iversen’s actions unreasonable under the circumstances. A district judge is now set to decide if the lawsuit against Iversen will proceed to trial. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page raised over $3,300 for Randall’s funeral expenses, describing him as a beloved family member and friend. The case continues to draw attention to issues of police accountability and proper training for de-escalation techniques.
