Austin, August 15, 2025

News Summary

Amaris Sampson, known online as ‘Xena the Witch’, was arrested in Austin after a paintball-related assault during a public scavenger hunt on August 9. An investigation revealed she injured a participant, leading to charges of Assault with Bodily Injury and Deadly Conduct, both classified as Class A misdemeanors. Authorities emphasize the need for safety at public events involving projectiles, urging participants to adhere to local regulations.

Austin

A live streamer known as Amaris Sampson, also recognized by her online pseudonym “Xena the Witch,” was arrested in Austin, Texas, on August 13, 2023, for her involvement in an assault incident during a public scavenger hunt. The event, which took place on August 9, is under investigation after a victim reported being struck by a paintball, leading to injury and pain.

The assault occurred at approximately 5:55 p.m. near 2200 South Lakeshore Boulevard, where Sampson, along with other live streamers, was participating in the scavenger hunt armed with paintball guns. A victim from the event sustained injuries after being hit, which prompted an immediate response from law enforcement. Officers arrived to interview the injured party who confirmed the incident and provided pertinent details surrounding the occurrence.

Following a review of video evidence that captured the event, a warrant was issued for Sampson’s arrest based on the identified particulars of the case. Sampson was subsequently apprehended and booked into the Travis County Jail. She is facing two charges: Assault with Bodily Injury and Deadly Conduct, both classified as Class A misdemeanors. The allegations suggest that Sampson intentionally caused bodily harm to the victim and recklessly endangered others during the activity.

The Austin Police Department has stated that the use of projectile devices, including paintball guns, is prohibited in public spaces without the proper authorization. This regulation aims to ensure public safety and prevent incidents like the one involving Sampson and her fellow participants, which has since garnered attention across various social media platforms.

As a result of this incident, Sampson possesses an additional unspecified out-of-county misdemeanor charge. However, as of the latest updates, a bond for her release has not yet been established according to jail records. The police continue to encourage any individuals with information related to the occurrence to submit tips anonymously through Capital Area Crime Stoppers.

Incident Overview

• Arrested Individual: Amaris Sampson (also known as “Xena the Witch”)
• Date of Incident: August 9, 2023}
• Location: 2200 South Lakeshore Boulevard, Austin, Texas
• Time: 5:55 p.m.
• Injured Party: One victim reported pain and injury from a paintball hit
• Charges: Assault with Bodily Injury, Deadly Conduct (both Class A misdemeanors)
• Arrest Date: August 13, 2023
• Current Status: Booked into Travis County Jail
• Additional Charges: Unspecified out-of-county misdemeanor
• Bond Status: Not yet set

Context of the Event

Scavenger hunts have become increasingly popular in recent years, often facilitated through live streaming platforms where participants engage in challenges while interacting with viewers. However, with the rise in popularity of such activities, the necessity for adhering to local laws regarding public safety is becoming more pronounced. The incident involving Sampson serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of public activities involving projectiles, even when intended for fun.

Community Response

As law enforcement continues their investigation, the community is reminded of the importance of safety during public events. Local authorities urge the public and participants in similar activities to respect regulations regarding the use of projectiles and ensure that all events are conducted safely and responsibly to prevent injury.

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Summary Chart of Incident

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• FOX 7 Austin
• Wikipedia: Austin
• KVUE
• Google Search: Amaris Sampson
• Statesman
• Google Scholar: paintball gun regulations
• CBS Austin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Paintball
• KXAN
• Google News: Paintball incident Austin

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.