A Travis County Sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed at his home early this morning in the Round Rock neighborhood of Cimarron. Sergeant Craig Hutchinson, a 32-year veteran of the department, reportedly spotted intruders in his backyard and called for backup at around 1:22 a.m., according to the Austin American-Statesman.
The Sheriff’s Office responded to the call, finding Hutchinson shot in his backyard minutes later. Police are still looking for the two suspects, and Hutchinson's neighbors are being encouraged to remain indoors as the search continues.
Authorities believe the attack was connected to a robbery and that the shooting was not targeted. Austin and Round Rock Police temporarily shut down southbound I-35 earlier to escort the deputy’s body to the Medical Examiner’s office on 15th Street. Authorities have encouraged commuters to avoid McNeil Road and the Cimmaron area. Hutchinson was expected to retire in September.
In a release confirming Hutchinson's death, the Travis County Sheriff's Office said officers found Hutchinson in a creek behind his backyard with a gunshot wound. Hutchinson was taken to Round Rock Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased:
Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo offered his condolences to the Sheriff's Office via Twitter:
Please keep our @TravisCoSheriff family in your thoughts & prayers. Sad, troubling times we live in. @Austin_Police stands with our friends.
— Chief Art Acevedo (@ArtAcevedo) July 25, 2016
Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw made a statement Monday afternoon:
“To lose any resident, and especially one who dedicated his life to protecting others, is heartbreaking. On behalf of the City Council and staff of the City of Round Rock, we offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Sgt. Craig Hutchinson. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”
You can view Facebook Live video of Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton's press availability from earlier this morning below, via KVUE Insider:
The Travis County Sheriff's Office and the Round Rock Police Department are still searching for two suspects in connection to the shooting.
Anyone with information in connection to the case is urged to call 512-671-2767. Judge Kevin Madison of Lakeway is now offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who comes forward with information that helps lead to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.
The City of Round Rock will illuminate the Prete Main Street Plaza Monday night with blue lights in remembrance of Sgt. Hutchinson.
This is a developing story. It will be updated as more details become available.