Off-Duty Caldwell County Deputy Killed Outside North Austin Nightclub, Two Suspects Arrested
An off-duty Caldwell County deputy was shot and killed early Saturday morning while working a security detail outside a North Austin nightclub, prompting a multi-agency investigation and the arrest of two suspects.
The Caldwell County Constable’s Office, Precinct 3, identified the deputy as Aaron Armstrong. The shooting happened just after 2:10 a.m. Saturday, January 4, in the parking lot of Club Rodeo near the intersection of North Lamar Boulevard and West Rundberg Lane, according to the Austin Police Department.
Austin police officers responding to the call found Armstrong in the parking lot suffering from traumatic injuries. Despite life-saving efforts by first responders and medical personnel, he was transported to a hospital where he later died.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis described the killing as deliberate, stating the deputy “was murdered” and “executed.”
The investigation quickly led authorities to two suspects. On Sunday afternoon, January 4, members of the U.S. Marshals’ Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested 38-year-old Thomas Vences. He has been charged with capital murder of a peace officer. Police say Vences has an extensive criminal history, with approximately 30 prior charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
A second suspect, 22-year-old Ronaldo Ernesto Colindres-Simon, was also arrested in connection with the incident. According to court documents, investigators allege Colindres-Simon put his vehicle in reverse while fleeing the scene and ran over Armstrong’s arm. Authorities say the injury was significant enough that a reasonable person would conclude it caused bodily injury or pain. Colindres-Simon has been charged with assault on a peace officer.
The Caldwell County Constable’s Office said the incident remains under active investigation and that limited information is being released at this time. Officials asked the public to respect the privacy of Deputy Armstrong’s family during this difficult time.
