Travis deputy slain in burglary at his home
Sergeant arrived home at the end of his shift to find prowlers in his yard.
Austin-area law ROUND ROCK — enforcement officers are reeling from the death of a Travis County sheriff’s deputy who was shot during a burglary at his Round Rock home early Monday.
Public safety agencies, already on edge in a summer marred by police ambushes in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La., grieved for another fallen officer, Sgt. Craig Hutchinson, 54, but investigators said they don’t think the incident was a targeted attack.
As authorities canvass ed Hutchinson’s neighbors and scoured his home for clues Monday, the U.S. Marshals Service and a Lakeway judge on Monday pledged a combined $15,000 to catch the shooters responsible. Many law enforcement officers also have come forward to provide support to the sheriff ’s office and Hutchinson’s family.
“It’s a difficult process,” Travis County sheriff ’s office spokes- woman Kristen Dark said. “These guys out here are professionals, and we have so many agencies that have come around us and supported us. We are so grateful.”
Hours after Hutchinson’s death, Sheriff Greg Hamilton stood on a corner near the sergeant’s home, detailing how the 32-year veteran had helped shape his career. He said “Hutch,” as he was known in the department, was a “teddy bear” who taught him everything he knew when Hutchinson was his field training officer.
As an instructor, his “influence and expertise has and will continue to impact our agency
and this county in a positive manner for years to come,” the sheriff ’s office said in a statement.
Hutchinson, who started his career with the sheriff ’s office in 1984 as a corrections officer, also worked as a patrol deputy, criminal investigator, detective and patrol sergeant.
“He was about 6-foot-4 and weighed about 275, but he was a gentle bear . ... I loved that guy to death,” Hamilton said, adding that Hutchinson was going to retire in September.
Hutchinson is the second Travis County sheriff ’s deputy to die in the line of duty in less than two years. Jessica Hollis was killed Sept. 18, 2014, when she was swept away while patrolling a low water crossing near Lake Austin.
The confrontation that ended Hutchinson’s life began just as the officer returned to his home in the 2000 block of Oak Meadow Drive at the end of a shift. But Hutchinson put himself back on duty, the sheriff’s office said, and he radioed in to report prowlers in his yard at 1:22 a.m.
“In the backyard, I was told that there was some equipment that was stolen out of the shed. (That’s) where, I guess, our deputy came upon them,” Hamilton said.
Travis County deputies and Round Rock police officers arrived at the home at 1:32 a.m. They found Hutchinson near a small creek behind his home with a gunshot wound.
Medics took the sergeant to St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities said the case was “an extremely fluid investigation” and offered no other details about the incident. Investigators declined to identify or describe any suspects but said they were chasing all leads.
Round Rock police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call them at 512-671-2767.
The U.S. Marshals Service on Monday offered up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for Hutchinson’s death.
Earlier in the day, Lakeway Municipal Court Judge Kevin Madison and his wife, Shirley, offered a $5,000 reward.
Madison, who has served with the court for about 18 years, worked for the sheriff’s office for two years in the 1980s after law school, he said.
“I loved the guys and gals that worked there and have great respect for Sheriff Hamilton,” he said. “A loss of a life over a lawnmower or some tools is just unbelievable. Instead of running away, they shoot this poor deputy. Someone is going to know who these two guys are.”
Residents in Hutchinson’s southwestern Round Rock neighborhood said they woke up to sirens and flashing lights and were shocked to hear what had happened as they slept.
Gary Thompson has lived just around the corner from where Hutchinson was gunned down for about 25 years. He said he frequently saw Hutchinson either in his yard or passing by. Hutchinson would always wave and constantly seemed cheerful and friendly.
“I think everybody liked him,” Thompson said. “He was a great guy.”
Multiple law enforcement officers from a variety of local agencies live in the same neighborhood.
Charles Millard, who also lives nearby, said that he knew of at least four officers in the area and that he always felt safe.
Hutchinson is survived by his wife, two children, three stepchildren, two grandchildren and his mother, Dark said.