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

House Republicans Approve Legislation to Rename 'Gulf of America'

On Thursday, House Republicans passed a bill that seeks to change the…

New Footage Captures a Car Similar to Bryan Kohberger’s Near the Time of the Idaho Student Murders

Just after midnight on November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students…

Why India and Pakistan Have a Unique Approach to Warfare

ISLAMABAD – Since gaining independence in 1947, India and Pakistan have engaged…

Prevost’s Childhood Friends Foresaw His Rise to Pope

NEW LENOX, Ill. (WGN) Long before he was Pope Leo XIV, Robert…

Newly appointed Pope had earlier expressed criticism of the Trump administration on social media.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, who became the first American pope on Thursday, frequently…

Elon Musk Criticized for Installing 16-Foot Fence Around His Austin Suburb Mansion

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Neighbors in an Austin suburb are frustrated by a…

Teen injured in Myrtle Beach claims her wound was from an officer’s bullet

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — During last month’s tragic officer-involved shooting on…

Are Weight Loss Drugs Covered by Medicare and Medicaid? It Varies

() Millions of Americans fighting obesity faced a setback last month when…

Trump Suddenly Dismisses Librarian of Congress

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump dismissed Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, on Thursday,…

Local Politician Declares Candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026 Race

SAVANNAH, Ga. () – Rep. Buddy Carter announced Thursday he will be…

Reports: Family of Five, Including U.S.-Born Children, Deported by ICE Following DPS Detainment Near Austin School

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Immigration and Customs Enforcement deported a mother and her…

Florists Struggle with Tariffs During Peak Season

LUBBOCK, Texas It’s one of the busiest times of the year for…