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Off-Duty Deputy Fatally Shot in North Austin

Police investigating the shooting incident outside a nightclub in Austin.

Austin, Texas, January 5, 2026

In a tragic incident in North Austin, an off-duty deputy from Caldwell County was fatally shot while working security at Club Rodeo. Deputy Aaron Armstrong was transported to the hospital following the shooting but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Authorities apprehended a suspect later in the day. The public is urged to assist with any information regarding the incident as the investigation continues.

Austin, Texas – Off-Duty Deputy Fatally Shot in North Austin

Austin, Texas – An off-duty deputy from the Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office was fatally shot early Sunday morning in North Austin. The incident occurred at Club Rodeo, located at 9515 North Lamar Blvd., just after 2 a.m. on January 4, 2026. The deputy, identified as Aaron Armstrong, was working an off-duty security position at the establishment when he was shot. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities apprehended the suspected gunman around 3:45 p.m. the same day; however, the suspect’s identity has not been released. The Austin Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Details of the Incident

According to the Austin Police Department, officers responded to reports of an officer-involved shooting at Club Rodeo early Sunday morning. Upon arrival, they found Deputy Armstrong in the parking lot with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The Caldwell County Constable’s Office confirmed that Armstrong was working an off-duty security position at the time of the shooting. The suspect was apprehended later in the afternoon, but as of now, no further details about the individual have been released.

Background Information

The Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office serves the Caldwell County area, which is located approximately 45 miles south of Austin. The office provides law enforcement services, including security details for various establishments. The Austin Police Department is leading the investigation into the shooting, with assistance from the Caldwell County Constable’s Office. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.

Community Response

The shooting has prompted an outpouring of support from the community. Local residents and law enforcement agencies have expressed their condolences to Deputy Armstrong’s family and colleagues. The Caldwell County Constable’s Office has requested that the public respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Related Incidents

In a separate incident on January 3, 2026, the Austin Police Department responded to a “barricaded subject” situation following a domestic violence incident in southeast Austin. Authorities were able to arrest the suspect without incident.

Safety Advisory

Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities. The Austin Police Department continues to work diligently to ensure the safety of the community and to bring those responsible for criminal activities to justice.

Contact Information

Anyone with information regarding the shooting of Deputy Armstrong is encouraged to contact the Austin Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (512) 974-8477 or Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-8477. Tips can also be submitted online at the Crime Stoppers website.

About the Austin Police Department

The Austin Police Department is committed to serving and protecting the community through proactive policing, community engagement, and the fair and impartial enforcement of laws. The department works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to address crime and enhance public safety in Austin and the surrounding areas.

About Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office

The Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office provides law enforcement services to the residents of Caldwell County, Texas. The office is responsible for serving legal documents, providing security for various events and establishments, and assisting in criminal investigations. The Constable’s Office works in partnership with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Related News

FAQ

What happened to Deputy Aaron Armstrong?

Deputy Aaron Armstrong, an off-duty deputy from the Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, was fatally shot early Sunday morning at Club Rodeo in North Austin. He was working an off-duty security position at the time of the incident.

Who is the suspect in the shooting?

The suspected gunman was apprehended around 3:45 p.m. on January 4, 2026. However, the Austin Police Department has not released the suspect’s identity as of now.

How can I assist in the investigation?

If you have any information regarding the shooting of Deputy Armstrong, you are encouraged to contact the Austin Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (512) 974-8477 or Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-8477. Tips can also be submitted online at the Crime Stoppers website.

What is the Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office?

The Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office provides law enforcement services to the residents of Caldwell County, Texas. The office is responsible for serving legal documents, providing security for various events and establishments, and assisting in criminal investigations.

What other incidents have occurred in Austin recently?

On January 3, 2026, the Austin Police Department responded to a “barricaded subject” situation following a domestic violence incident in southeast Austin. Authorities were able to arrest the suspect without incident.

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Key Features

Feature Description
Incident Location Club Rodeo, 9515 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas
Victim Aaron Armstrong, off-duty deputy from Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office
Suspect Status Apprehended around 3:45 p.m. on January 4, 2026; identity not released
Investigation Led by Austin Police Department; ongoing
Community Response Outpouring of support; Caldwell County Constable’s Office requests privacy for the family
Contact Information APD Homicide Unit: (512) 974-8477; Crime Stoppers: (512) 472-8477; Crime Stoppers website

Now Happening on X

  • @ATXVideos (January 5, 2026, 2:20 AM) A post confirms the tragic shooting of an off-duty police officer in North Austin, noting that authorities located and arrested the suspect. View on X
  • @cbsaustin (January 3, 2026, 4:33 PM) An update reports that a suspect was arrested after Austin PD SWAT teams responded to a barricaded subject situation in southeast Austin. View on X
  • @KVUE (January 3, 2026, 5:02 PM) A suspect has been arrested following a SWAT call in southeast Austin, as reported by local news. View on X
  • @foullonL (January 3, 2026, 2:23 PM) A man faces additional charges in a deadly shooting outside a north Austin shopping center, described as a one-man crime wave involving gunfire and vehicle thefts. View on X
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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Off-Duty Deputy Fatally Shot While Working Security in Austin
Off-Duty Deputy Fatally Shot at Austin Nightclub
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STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER

The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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