A sergeant with the Travis County Sheriff's Office died Monday morning after he was shot during a burglary at his home in Round Rock.
Police said the shooting happened near McNeil Road and East Messick Loop around 1:30 a.m. Monday. Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton said Sgt. Craig Hutchinson, a 32-year veteran who was planning to retire in September, was shot after confronting burglars in his backyard.
The sheriff's office said dispatch received a call from an on-duty Hutchinson at 1:22 a.m., stating he had prowlers in his back yard and requested they send Round Rock Police to assist him.
Police responded and found Hutchinson around 1:35 a.m. behind his backyard with a gunshot wound.
Hutchinson, who was called "Hutch" within the sheriff's office, was transported to Round Rock Medical Center, where he died. Hamilton described Hutchinson as “a big teddy bear” that everyone loved.
“I started at the sheriff’s office back in 1985, I worked in the jail with him. He went out on patrol before I did. He was my field training officer, so this is near and dear to me, this guy was a big teddy bear, and everybody loved him,” he said, “He was a gentle bear and he taught me everything I know. When I got this call, whether it was him or not, but more so it was him, he was my field training officer, and I loved that guy to death."
Kristen Dark with the Travis County Sherriff's Office stated in a press conference, Hutchinson lived a distinguished career and taught many people in the agency.
Round Rock Police, the Travis County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Public Safety are investigating the shooting. Hamilton said a tip line has been established for anyone with information at 512-671-2767. He added that there is no suggestion the shooting was an ambush.
"There are several different things we do, one we want to interview any potential witnesses, we want to process the crime scene, we want to treat the family with respect, all of that happens. It's a pretty arduous task, a lot of work, and it's very meticulous," said Round Rock Lt. Andy McKinney.
As of Monday evening, McKinney said they will not release the number of suspects at this time, but are exploring all possibilities.
“At this time I just ask individuals to pray for the family and pray for this community and pray for this country. Because we are in a country that’s morally bankrupt, value depleted. And it’s going to take all of us to come together to address this particular issue,” Hamilton said in the briefing.
Many of Hutchinson's neighbors said they were up all night, listening to the sirens and watching the flashing lights out of their window.
"I'm just in shock, shock," said one neighbor, "I'm at a loss for words now."
There were rolling delays on Interstate 35 as authorities moved the deputy's body from Round Rock Medical Center to the Travis County Medical Examiner's office in downtown Austin.
McNeil Road was closed while police investigated the scene. KVUE's Christy Millweard reported at 10 a.m. that the road had reopened to traffic.
A municipal judge, who was a former Travis County deputy, is offering a $5,000 reward while the U.S. Marshals Service are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the people behind the shooting.
Some people in the neighborhood had blue ribbons tied around their trees in support of law enforcement.
Aaron Gonzalez works nearby, and stood at the crime scene for hours. He held a flag in support of law enforcement.
"Their job is to protect and serve, and unfortunately when something like this happens, it bothers people, it bothers me," said Gonzales.
Officers came to shake his hand or give him a hug.
"I just wanted to come out and show support, let them know that people care about them," said Gonzalez.
Go here for a briefing on the shooting with Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton.
This is a developing story. It will be updated as additional information becomes available.
