BUDA — At 3:59 a.m. on Sept. 5, a Buda police officer conducted a traffic stop at the 15000 block of IH-35 due to suspicious circumstances and an uninsured vehicle. While being questioned, the individual first allegedly provided false identification and then, when told to stay inside the vehicle, stepped out and pointed a gun at the officer, according to the Buda Police Department. It was then that the officer fired at the suspect and began an on-foot pursuit.
The suspect, who has since been identified as 46-year-old Marble Falls resident Lee Allan Elsbury, began running south of the crime scene and then looped to head back, possibly to retrieve his vehicle, said BPD Chief Bo Kidd.
“The Buda [Police Department] officer called for assistance as a foot pursuit ensued. Additional gunfire was exchanged as officers pursued the suspect," said Kidd. “Hays County Sheriff's [Office] deputies responded to the scene and assisted Buda PD in trying to locate the suspect."
The suspect was shot an multiple times and as a result, was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.
According to Kidd, Elsbury has an extensive criminal history, including a warrant for his arrest in Austin for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. BPD will be filing the following charges: attempted capital murder, two charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, failure to identify as a fugitive and possession of a firearm by felon.
At this time, bodycam footage and further investigations have yet to be carried out, but the Texas Rangers were called to the scene to conduct a neutral investigation, which, as of 2:15 p.m. Sept. 5, is still ongoing. In accordance with protocol, HCSO deputies involved have been assigned to administrative duties and BPD officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while the pending investigation is underway.
“The Buda Police Department is 13 years old and, in that time, we’ve never had an officer involved shooting,” said Kidd. “This would be the first.”
Residents who have any information regarding the situation can contact BPD Lt. Barry Lee at 512-393-7896 or [email protected]. For anonymous tips, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-8466 or submit to P3tips.com.
This is an ongoing story; the Hays Free Press will continue to provide updates as the more information is available.
Police provide update on officer-involved shooting
BUDA — At 3:59 a.m. on Sept. 5, a Buda police officer conducted a traffic stop at the 1500 block of IH-35 due to suspicious circumstances and an uninsured vehicle. While being questioned, the individual first allegedly provided false identification and then, when told to stay inside the vehicle, stepped out and pointed a gun at the officer, according to the Buda Police Department. It was then that the officer fired at the suspect and began an on-foot pursuit.
- 09/06/2023 08:00 PM
