In the early morning hours of January 4, 2026, a beloved son, brother, and dedicated public servant, Aaron Armstrong, lost his life while working a private security detail in Austin, Texas. Armstrong, a White male, was a respected deputy with the Caldwell County Precinct 3 Constable's Office and had also served with the Smithville Police Department.
Known for his kindness and ability to connect with people, he was a familiar face in the communities he served.
On that fateful Sunday, Armstrong was working off-duty at Club Rodeo on North Lamar Boulevard. A disturbance involving 38-year-old Thomas Vences prompted Armstrong to intervene. After escorting Vences out of the nightclub, a confrontation ensued in the parking lot. Despite Armstrong identifying himself as a peace officer and wearing clothing that clearly indicated his authority, the situation escalated. Vences, who was being verbally and physically resistant, managed to flee on foot. Later, when Armstrong attempted to arrest him in the parking lot, Vences produced a handgun and shot the deputy.
The tragic event did not end there. As Armstrong lay wounded, a second man, 22-year-old Rolando Colindres Simon, an acquaintance of Vences, allegedly ran over Armstrong's extremity with a vehicle while fleeing the scene. Deputy Armstrong was rushed to a local hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 6:39 a.m. The investigation that followed led to the swift apprehension of both suspects.
Thomas Vences was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and charged with capital murder of a peace officer. His bond was set at $2 million. In his statement to investigators, Vences claimed he thought Armstrong was a security guard who had assaulted him inside the club and did not recall hearing him identify himself as an officer. Rolando Colindres Simon was also arrested and charged with assault on a peace officer, with his bond set at $100,000. The loss of Deputy Aaron Armstrong sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of service and sacrifice.
