Austin Man Arrested for Terroristic Threats

Police took a 35-year-old man into custody following threats against a church and the University of Texas at Austin.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Terrorism

Austin Man Arrested for Terroristic Threats

The Austin Police Department arrested 35-year-old David Benjamin Coleman-Roush on Thursday morning. He is accused of making terroristic threats against the University of Texas at Austin and a local church.

Why it matters

Law enforcement agencies are tasked with investigating all credible threats against public institutions to ensure community safety. Authorities noted that the suspect was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident.

David Benjamin Coleman-Roush is currently being held at the Travis County Jail on a third-degree felony charge. The Austin Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation into the threats.

The players

David Benjamin Coleman-Roush

He is a 35-year-old suspect currently held in the Travis County Jail after allegedly making terroristic threats.

Austin Police Department

This local agency serves as the primary law enforcement body for the city of Austin and is currently leading the investigation.

University of Texas at Austin

This is a major public research university located in Austin that was identified as a target of the suspect's threats.

The details

Officers apprehended the suspect at a residence in the 5700 block of Tapadera Trace Lane in North Austin. Officials confirmed that the suspect has no known affiliation with the University of Texas at Austin.

The suspect was taken into custody early Thursday morning, October 1, 2026.

Legal Context

The third-degree felony charge filed in this case is governed by the specific provisions of Texas Penal Code Section 22.07. This arrest follows the established legal standards for prosecuting terroristic threats within the state's justice system.

Residents and students at the University of Texas at Austin should remain aware of safety advisories issued by local authorities. The arrest effectively removes the immediate threat posed by the suspect to the local community.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of timely police intervention when individuals experiencing mental health crises communicate threats. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to local authorities to help maintain campus and community security.