Man charged with impersonating officer, using stun gun on people in downtown Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A man accused of impersonating an officer and pointing a stun gun at people in downtown Austin April 13 was arrested by the Austin Police Department on multiple charges.

Around 2 a.m., APD responded to multiple 911 calls about a man reportedly pointing a stun gun at people near West Sixth and Nueces Streets.

When officers got there, they found a man – later identified as 35-year-old Jason M. Parnell – fitting the description witnesses provided.

Witnesses told police he was “exhibiting erratic and threatening behavior and was [using a stun gun] on people as they walked by,” according to APD.

Editor’s note: This video shows a man using a stun gun. Viewer discretion advised.

Officers took Parnell into custody and found a BB gun in his waistband. When they searched his car, they also found a stun gun and firearm magazines.

According to online court records, Parnell was arrested April 13, the same date the incident happened.

Parnell faces multiple charges related to this case:

• Two counts of Terroristic Threat
• Criminal Mischief
• Impersonating a Public Servant

Travis County Court Records show no prior charges for Parnell.

KXAN has reached out to Parnell’s attorney and will update this story if we receive a response.

“The Austin Police Department takes incidents of this nature very seriously. The suspect’s actions, which included threatening violence, discharging a BB gun at an occupied vehicle, and intentionally damaging private property, pose a clear threat to public safety and are deeply concerning,” APD said in a statement. “This behavior undermines the public’s trust in legitimate law enforcement and can create confusion, fear, and hesitation when individuals encounter real officers.”

Parnell was released on bond under the conditions that he stay away from the 700 Block of West Sixth Street and not be in possession of firearms – including BB guns – or ammunition, according to online court records. These records also state he must undergo mental health evaluations.