Austin police arrest man on terroristic threat charge after threats to UT and church
October 3, 2026
- What: A man was arrested on a terroristic threat charge after he made threats targeting the University of Texas and a local church.
- Who: 35-year-old David Benjamin Coleman-Roush is in custody on a third-degree felony charge.
- Where: The arrest took place in North Austin in the early morning hours on Friday.
- Why it matters: Authorities say the suspect posed a potential public safety risk and the university is monitoring the case as it moves through the justice system.
Austin Police took 35-year-old David Benjamin Coleman-Roush into custody in North Austin in the early hours of Friday after he made threats directed at the University of Texas and a local church, UTPD Chief Shane Streepy wrote on Instagram.
An APD public information officer said in an email that Coleman-Roush was arrested on a terroristic threat charge, a third-degree felony. He is being held at the Travis County Jail.
Streepy wrote that Coleman-Roush was reportedly experiencing a mental health crisis when officers arrested him, and that he has no association with the university. Court records show Coleman-Roush faced a bodily assault arrest in 2024 and those charges were dismissed this year.
UTPD expressed gratitude for Austin Police Department’s swift action and said the department will continue to monitor the matter as it proceeds through the justice system.
Sources
- UTPD Instagram post
- APD public information officer email
- Court records
- Local news article