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

Silver Alert Canceled: Missing 77-Year-Old Man Found Safe

Gary Lillig, 77 (Winter Park Police Department) WINTER PARK, Fla. – A…

Experienced NFL Player Hosts Complimentary Youth Camp in Jesup

Jesup, Ga. () — T.Y. McGill always remembers where he came from.…

Teens Abduct Las Vegas Man and Seize $4M in Cryptocurrency, Say Police

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Three teenagers are accused of kidnapping a man…

Survey on High-Speed Rail Could Pave the Way for Trains in Central Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Residents of Central Illinois have been advocating for…

What is the customary Sunday blessing given by popes at St. Peter’s Square?

VATICAN CITY – For numerous Catholic visitors in Rome, there’s a must-see…

Clearwater Condo Evacuees Permitted to Collect Personal Items

In Clearwater, Florida, residents who were evacuated from their condos will have…

Post-Covid Business Travel Rebound Stalls Amid Impact of Ongoing Trade War

Business travel’s four-year crawl out the pandemic was on track to continue…

“Chicago Eateries Introduce a Sandwich Honoring Pope Leo”

CHICAGO, Il. () — The accolades for Pope Leo XIV are pouring…

Nonprofit Run by Veterans Supports Homeless Vets at Augusta Expo

AUGUSTA, Ga. () — A local veteran who once encountered homelessness is…

Gorillas Receive Check-ups Before Departing Zoo Miami

MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) — Two silverback gorilla siblings underwent a series of…

Trump Proposes NYC Mayor Eric Adams Arrange a White House Visit to ‘Express Gratitude’

President Trump said Friday that he and Eric Adams discussed “almost nothing”…

Hampton High Seniors Graduate with Confidence and Pride

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)—Hampton High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation…