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Capital Murder Charge Filed in Killing of Off-Duty Deputy at North Austin Club

A multiagency task force made the arrests using video evidence.

Overview

  • Deputy Aaron Armstrong of Caldwell County Precinct 3 was working security at Club Rodeo when a confrontation in the parking lot escalated into a shooting, and he later died at a hospital.
  • Thomas Vences, 38, was arrested later on Jan. 4 by the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force with support from APD air and K-9 units and DPS, and he faces capital murder of a peace officer plus multiple unrelated charges.
  • Ronaldo Ernesto Colindres-Simon, 22, was charged with assault on a police officer and is held on a $100,000 bond as police allege Armstrong’s extremity was run over as the group fled.
  • Investigators cite Armstrong’s body-worn camera, witness statements, and other videos as key evidence and continue to seek tips, with a reward of up to $1,000 available through Crime Stoppers.
  • APD leaders flagged ongoing safety concerns in the North Lamar corridor and said the investigation remains active.