Aaron Armstrong Fatally Shot During Off-Duty Security Duty in Austin, Texas, January 4, 2026

On January 4, 2026, Aaron Armstrong, a 38-year-old Caldwell County deputy constable, was fatally shot while performing off-duty security at Club Rodeo in North Austin, Texas. The incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m. following a confrontation in which Armstrong attempted to remove a man involved in an altercation with non-law enforcement security. During the encounter, the suspect pushed Armstrong, who identified himself as a law enforcement officer and warned that an arrest would follow. A firearm was discharged, striking Armstrong, who returned fire before losing consciousness.

Armstrong was immediately transported to Dell Seton Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased. Authorities later arrested the primary suspect, Thomas Vences, and an accomplice, Ronaldo E. Colindres-Simon, both facing charges including capital murder and assault on a peace officer. Armstrong had served with the Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office since October 2024 and was wearing a body-worn camera at the time of the shooting. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances of the incident, with APD and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission reviewing available evidence and seeking public assistance.