Suspect in critical condition following first-ever officer-involved shooting in Buda

The Buda Police Department is investigating its first ever officer-involved shooting on Tuesday.

"This morning coming in I definitely saw there was a lot of police action for sure, lots of cops over here," said Crista Wallace, who works in the area.

According to Buda police chief Bo Kidd, the shooting happened around 4 a.m. on Sept. 5 in the 15000 block of I-35 in Buda.

A Buda police officer made a traffic stop on a vehicle due to "suspicious circumstances." The suspect was asked to remain in the car, however, the suspect got out of the car, and pointed a gun at the officer and fired. The officer then fired a shot at the suspect. 

The suspect then fled the scene on foot.

The officer called for back up, and more officers pursed the suspect. 

"We had a perimeter on one side and the suspect was being chased by Buda, came into our area. It was close to the frontage road," said Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler.

A short time later, Hays County deputies found the suspect, who was still attempting to flee and was still firing shots. Deputies then fired their guns. According to Chief Kidd, the suspect was struck multiple times, and fell to the ground. 

"Sheriff's deputies engaged the suspect, at which time they fired at the suspect. The suspect was struck multiple times and fell to the ground," said Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd.

Deputies attempted life-saving measures after the shooting, and the suspect was then taken to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

None of the deputies or officers were shot, and no one else was hurt.

The suspect was identified as 46-year-old Lee Allen Elsbury from Marble Falls. 

Lee Allen Elsbury 

Elsbury has an extensive criminal history, and currently has a warrant out for his arrest out of Austin. 

Buda police are charging him with attempted capital murder, two counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, failure to identify as a fugitive and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Buda police say there are four separate scenes in the area of I-35 and Main that they’re currently processing evidence from, and investigators are still going through surveillance video as the piece the events together. 

The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, and the deputies reassigned, as the Texas Rangers investigate the first officer-involved shooting in the Buda Police Department’s 13-year history.

"It's just so hard to imagine it happening in such a quiet town like Buda, but I guess it happens here, too," said Wallace.

If you have any information about what happened Tuesday morning, you’re urged to contact Buda Police Lt. Barry Lee at (512) 393-7896 or blee@budatx.gov. You can submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 324-8466, or submit a tip online via P3tips.com or the new Hays County Sheriff’s Office app.