Round Rock deputy slain; officers reeling

ROUND ROCK — Austin-area law 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.

‘It’s a difficult process’

As authorities canvassed 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 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 spokeswoman Kristen Dark said. “We have so many agencies that have come around us and supported us.”

Hours after Hutchinson’s death, Sheriff Greg Hamilton detailed 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 office said in a statement.

Hutchinson started his career with the sheriff ’s office in 1984 as a corrections officer and also worked as a patrol deputy, criminal investigator, detective and patrol sergeant. Hutchinson was retiring in September, Hamiliton said.

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 at the end of a shift. But Hutchinson went back on duty, the sheriff ’s office said, and he radioed in to report prowlers in his yard at 1:22 a.m.

Found near small creek

“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.

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.