Travis County deputy shot, killed in Round Rock

ROUND ROCK, Texas — 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 and planning to retire in September, was shot after confronting burglars in his backyard.

The sheriff's office said dispatch received a call from 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.

“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," he said.

Round Rock Police and the Travis County Sheriff's Office 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.

“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.

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.

This is a developing story. It will be updated as additional information becomes available.