A tragic turn of events occurred outside a north Austin nightclub early Sunday morning, resulting in the death of an off-duty deputy constable, and the arrest of two men. Thomas Vences, a 38-year-old man with a history of criminal convictions, has been charged with the capital murder of a peace officer. This incident marks Austin's third homicide of the year, creating an undercurrent of concern in the community about ongoing incidents at the local nightspot, Club Rodeo.
According to a news conference held by Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis and detailed by CBS Austin, Vences allegedly "executed" Caldwell County Deputy Constable Aaron Armstrong after an altercation at the club where Armstrong was working security. Armstrong was attempting to arrest Vences when, Chief Davis says, he was "executed by this man who knew he was a cop, knew he was a police officer, and he did it." A subsequent arrest was made by the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force.
Armstrong was shot around 2:07 a.m. after escorting Vences from the club due to an earlier altercation, according to police. Body camera footage showed Armstrong trying to de-escalate the situation despite threats from Vences. Multiple individuals reportedly obstructed Armstrong before he was fatally shot. Armstrong is described as having worked security at the nightclub for several years.
Ronaldo Ernesto Colindres-Simon, 22, was also arrested and charged with second-degree felony assault on a peace officer after police allege he ran over Armstrong while trying to flee the scene. FOX 7 Austin reported on the arrest paperwork for Colindres-Simon, detailing his connection to the crime. Footage from Armstrong's body camera identified Colindres-Simon holding back Vences prior to the shooting, contrary to his claim that he was merely trying to leave the area because he heard gunshots.
Both Vences and Colindres-Simon are currently being held in custody. Vences faces additional charges beyond the capital murder of a peace officer, including burglary and assault on a family or household member from previous convictions. The community and law enforcement are left grappling with the aftermath of this violent episode and the safety concerns it brings to the forefront for public venues like Club Rodeo.
