Jason Parnell mugshot
Share this @internewscast.com

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man accused of impersonating an officer and pointing a stun gun at people in downtown Austin April 13 was arrested by the Austin Police Department on multiple charges.

Around 2 a.m., APD responded to multiple 911 calls about a man reportedly pointing a stun gun at people near West Sixth and Nueces Streets.

Jason Parnell mugshot
Jason Parnell, 35. (Courtesy: Austin Police Department)

When officers got there, they found a man – later identified as 35-year-old Jason M. Parnell – fitting the description witnesses provided.

Witnesses told police he was “exhibiting erratic and threatening behavior and was [using a stun gun] on people as they walked by,” according to APD.

Editor’s note: This video shows a man using a stun gun. Viewer discretion advised.

Officers took Parnell into custody and found a BB gun in his waistband. When they searched his car, they also found a stun gun and firearm magazines.

According to online court records, Parnell was arrested April 13, the same date the incident happened.

Parnell faces multiple charges related to this case:

  • Two counts of Terroristic Threat
  • Criminal Mischief
  • Impersonating a Public Servant

Travis County Court Records show no prior charges for Parnell.

affiliate KXAN has reached out to Parnell’s attorney and will update this story if a response is received.

“The Austin Police Department takes incidents of this nature very seriously. The suspect’s actions, which included threatening violence, discharging a BB gun at an occupied vehicle, and intentionally damaging private property, pose a clear threat to public safety and are deeply concerning,” APD said in a statement. “This behavior undermines the public’s trust in legitimate law enforcement and can create confusion, fear, and hesitation when individuals encounter real officers.”

Parnell was released on bond under the conditions that he stay away from the 700 Block of West Sixth Street and not be in possession of firearms – including BB guns – or ammunition, according to online court records. These records also state he must undergo mental health evaluations.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Breaking: Bristol Double Homicide Suspect Detained After Court Denies Bond

Elijah Campbell, the suspect implicated in a shocking double homicide in Bristol,…

Unraveling the Mystery: Investigating the Recent Millenia Boulevard Crash in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – Authorities are currently investigating a traffic accident that occurred…

US Tightens Grip: Sanctions Target Maduro’s Nephews in Escalating Venezuela Pressure Strategy

WASHINGTON – In a continued effort to apply pressure on Venezuela, the…

OpenAI and Microsoft Sued Over Alleged ChatGPT Involvement in Tragic Connecticut Murder-Suicide

SAN FRANCISCO – A tragic case has emerged from Connecticut, where the…

Oklahoma BLM Leader Faces Indictment: Fraud and Money Laundering Charges Unveiled

In a significant legal development, the leader of the Black Lives Matter…

Homeland Security Secretary Noem Grilled at House Hearing: Immigration Policies in the Spotlight

WASHINGTON – As the face of President Donald Trump’s staunch immigration policies,…

Tragic Turn: First Civilian Casualties in Escalating Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict

SURIN – In a tragic escalation of hostilities along the Thai-Cambodian border,…

U.S. Interception of Illicit Oil Tanker Near Venezuela Marks Escalated Crackdown on Shadow Fleet

MIAMI – The recent capture of an oil tanker off the Venezuelan…

Elite Colleges Shift Focus to Economic Diversity in Admissions Amid Affirmative Action Changes

WASHINGTON – In a significant shift in admissions priorities, some of the…

Tennessee Carries Out Execution for 1988 Chattanooga Cold Case: Justice Served for 20-Year-Old Victim

Harold Wayne Nichols, now 64, was handed the death penalty following his…

Study Reveals Instacart’s AI Tools Could Be Increasing Your Grocery Costs

Instacart shoppers might find themselves paying varying amounts for the same groceries—even…

Get Involved: How You Can Support the 2026 Wreaths Across America Initiative Today

In Johnson City, Tennessee, the Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park…