The community of Weeping Water is in shock after learning about 23-year-old Austin Baier’s death.
While Baier lived in Louisville, he was raised in Weeping Water.
Cass County investigators along with the Nebraska State Patrol say Baier sped off from a traffic stop Wednesday night then sparked a confrontation with a deputy Tyler Reiff that cost him his life.
“It's a shock, it really is i'm sure it's going to be a shock to the whole community,” said Rod Weber.
Weber said Baier was an active kid he coached in baseball.
He was a good baseball player, he was a wrestler-just an all around good kid,” said Weber.
A kid who was friends with Weber’s son, “They were good friends as little kids and it's just a big shock.”
A woman who knows Baier didn't want to be identified, saying it's out of character for him to act like that.
“None of it sounds like him. That's not him, he's not the one that wants to cause fights or start fights he was always just so laid back and he talked real soft,” she said.
KMTV reached out to the family and it is confused by what happened, asking for privacy at this time.
For now, this community is comforting one another during this tough time.
“It's a big loss,” said Weber.
The investigation into the incident continues. Nebraska law requires a grand jury be convened anytime someone dies while in custody or in the process of apprehension. Deputy Reiff is on administrative leave.
