The Austin Police Department has reported the capture of a suspect following the fatal shooting of an off-duty deputy from a nearby jurisdiction late Sunday night.
The deceased deputy has been identified as serving with the Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, situated approximately 45 minutes south of Austin.
The tragic incident occurred while the deputy was on security duty at a venue in north Austin, as confirmed by the Caldwell County Constable’s Office. Austin authorities specified that the shooting took place at Club Rodeo.
The Caldwell County precinct shared on Facebook, “One of our Deputies was involved in a shooting while working an off-duty security position at an Austin venue.”
An off-duty deputy tragically lost his life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, while serving as security at Club Rodeo in Austin, Texas. (Google Maps)
The suspect was apprehended later in the afternoon, thanks to the collaborative efforts of several law enforcement bodies. This included the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, with support from APD Air Support, K-9 units, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Austin police said officers first responded to the scene just after 2 a.m. and found the Caldwell County deputy in the parking lot “with trauma to his body.”
Caldwell officials added that he was transported to a local hospital, where he “succumbed to his injuries.”
Security team members wearing cowboy hats on July 11, 2025. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto)
The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying any witnesses or suspects who may have been at Club Rodeo around the time of the shooting, Austin police said.
Caldwell County officials said the agency will not yet release the victim’s identity out of respect for his family’s privacy.
“Out of respect for our Deputy and his family, we ask that their privacy be honored,” the agency said. “Additional information will be provided if appropriate.”
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a Caldwell County Constable’s Deputy,” Caldwell County Precinct 2 said in a Facebook post.
“Please keep this Deputy’s family, loved ones, and our fellow deputies in your prayers as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
