AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrested a man who reportedly attempted to enter an Austin daycare with a gun on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
The owner of Primrose School of Four Points reported that a witness who was in the parking lot at the time of the crime informed her that she saw the suspect attempt to open two locked doors at the facility.
This prompted the owner to notify DPS. When officials arrived on the scene, the owner provided surveillance footage of the suspect, identified as Aaron Whitfield, 26, arriving at the parking lot in his green Toyota Tacoma nearly an hour after it was closed for business.
According to an affidavit, officials observed a male exit the vehicle and walk toward the entrance of the school with what appeared to be a handgun in his left hand.
The suspect seemed to realize the daycare was closed and left shortly after.
The owner sent a photo from the surveillance video to her staff members to keep them aware of the situation. A staff member recognized Whitfield as someone who lives nearby because of his car.
The owner, along with an employee and the witness from the parking lot, worked with DPS to help identify Whitfield. He was arrested on Oct. 5, a day after the incident.
Whitfield was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon in a prohibited place, terroristic threat and disorderly conduct. Whitfield's arraignment took place Friday, Oct. 7, according to the Travis County District Attorney's Office.
The bond was set a $530,000, according to the DA's office. Should Whitfield post bond, the judge ordered further restrictions, including that he must not possess any firearms, per the DA's office.
“Our office takes incredibly seriously any threats made to our schools here in Travis County,” Travis County District Attorney José Garza said in a release. “In this case, we thank the fast response from the DPS Troopers and judge for doing what is in the best interest of the public safety of our community.”
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