Austin Police Arrested Man for Terroristic Threats
A 35-year-old was taken into custody after reportedly threatening a local church and the University of Texas at Austin.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Terrorism
The Austin Police Department arrested a 35-year-old man at a North Austin home following reports of threats made against the University of Texas at Austin and a local church. The suspect, David Benjamin Coleman-Roush, is now being held at the Travis County Jail.
Why it matters
The incident centers on threats made against the University of Texas at Austin and a local congregation, sparking safety concerns for those community spaces. Authorities stated that the suspect was suffering from a mental health crisis at the time of the incident.
The suspect, a 35-year-old, currently faces a third-degree felony charge for terroristic threat. No information has been provided regarding the specific timeline of the alleged threats versus the suspect's history.
The players
Austin Police Department
The local law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling the city and investigating the alleged threats.
David Benjamin Coleman-Roush
A 35-year-old man currently in custody at the Travis County Jail facing a third-degree felony charge.
University of Texas at Austin
The primary public research university located in Central Austin that was named as a target of the threats.
Travis County Jail
The county facility where the suspect is currently being held.
The details
Austin Police Department officers took David Benjamin Coleman-Roush into custody early Thursday morning at a residence in the 5700 block of Tapadera Trace Lane. Investigations confirmed the suspect has no official affiliation with the University of Texas at Austin. He remains in custody at the Travis County Jail while the department continues its investigation into the incident.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The suspect was arrested by police early Thursday morning.
The Texas Context
The arrest is handled under the guidelines of the Texas Penal Code regarding terroristic threats against public institutions. This incident follows established state protocols for processing felony charges when threats target university campuses and religious facilities.
Residents near the 5700 block of Tapadera Trace Lane may notice continued police activity as the investigation proceeds. There are no current changes to access or operations at the University of Texas at Austin.
The takeaway
The suspect remains in custody at the Travis County Jail following his arrest on Thursday morning. Neighbors and community members should remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the Austin Police Department.
Further reading
For more information on how local agencies manage safety, visit our terrorism archives.
