2012 College Station, Texas Shooting
Mass Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
College Station, Texas
TIME PERIOD
August 13, 2012
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
On August 13, 2012, a mass shooting occurred in College Station, Texas, when 41-year-old Brazos County Constable Brian Bachmann was shot and killed by 35-year-old Thomas Alton Caffall III while serving a legal notice related to unpaid rent. The incident began around 12:11 p.m. near Texas A&M University, escalating into a shootout between Caffall and responding officers that lasted approximately thirty minutes, resulting in the deaths of Constable Bachmann and bystander Chris Northcliffe, as well as injuries to four others, including a civilian and three officers. Caffall was ultimately fatally wounded by police gunfire, and a cache of firearms, including a stolen SIG Sauer pistol, was recovered from his residence. The case remains a significant incident in local law enforcement history, highlighting the dangers faced by officers in the line of duty.
Some believe that Thomas Alton Caffall III's actions were driven by a deep-seated anger related to financial instability, as he was facing eviction for unpaid rent. Others speculate that his extensive arsenal of firearms indicates premeditation, suggesting he may have been preparing for a violent confrontation. Additionally, there are theories that the incident was influenced by mental health issues, as Caffall's behavior prior to the shooting raised concerns among those who knew him.
The Tragic Events of the 2012 College Station Shooting
On a sweltering afternoon in College Station, Texas, the air was thick with anticipation as 41-year-old Brazos County Constable Brian Bachmann approached the home of Thomas Alton Caffall III. It was August 13, 2012, and Bachmann was there to serve Caffall with a legal notice for a court appearance scheduled ten days later. The summons was due to Caffall's failure to pay $1,250 in back rent. But this routine task was about to spiral into a deadly confrontation that would leave a community in shock.
The Shootout
Around 12:30 p.m., as Bachmann neared Caffall's residence, the situation took a dire turn. Caffall, a 35-year-old gun enthusiast, erupted in anger, drawing a weapon and fatally shooting Bachmann. In the chaos, he snatched the officer's .40-caliber SIG Sauer P226 pistol, a weapon that would soon be at the center of a violent standoff.
As the first shots rang out, 51-year-old Barbara Holdsworth found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. While parking her car half a block away, she was struck by Caffall's gunfire. Her boyfriend, witnessing the horror unfold, immediately dialed 9-1-1, setting off a rapid law enforcement response.
At 12:14 p.m., police officers flooded the scene, engaging Caffall in a shootout that would last a grueling thirty minutes. The air was filled with the sound of gunfire as 65 rounds were exchanged. Amidst this chaos, 51-year-old bystander Chris Northcliffe was fatally wounded, and three officers sustained injuries. Tragically, EMS personnel, attempting to render aid to Northcliffe, were forced to retreat due to the relentless gunfire.
The confrontation reached its bloody conclusion at 12:35 p.m. when Caffall was shot and killed by the police. A "code maroon" alert was swiftly issued by Texas A&M University, a stark warning of the danger that had unfolded just outside its gates.
Aftermath and Investigation
Initial reports were rife with confusion, suggesting that six individuals were injured and the shooter taken into custody. As clarity emerged, it became evident that both Constable Bachmann and civilian Chris Northcliffe had lost their lives, with several others wounded, some not by gunfire but by the sheer chaos of the scene.
The College Station Police Department, led by Assistant Police Chief Scott McCollum, confirmed the grim news. Bachmann, a respected figure in the community, had served as a Brazos County Sheriff's Deputy since 1993 and was the elected Constable for Precinct 1. The community mourned the loss of a dedicated officer and a civilian caught in the crossfire.
The Victims
Fatalities:
- Brian Bachmann (41), officer
- Chris Northcliffe (43), civilian
- Thomas Alton Caffall III (35), gunman
Injuries:
- Justin Oehlke, officer, shot in the calf
- Brad Smith, officer, suffered shrapnel injuries
- Phil Dorsett, officer, suffered shrapnel injuries
- Barbara Holdsworth (51), civilian, seriously wounded and hospitalized
The Perpetrator
Thomas Alton Caffall III, a 35-year-old man with a passion for firearms, was identified as the shooter. He was neither a student nor an employee of Texas A&M. Caffall's stepfather, Richard Weaver, painted a troubling picture of a man increasingly disconnected from reality. Weaver revealed that Caffall had quit his job nine months prior and spent much of his time immersed in video games, which seemed to warp his perception of the world. The family hinted at a struggle with mental illness, a factor that may have contributed to the tragic events.
Caffall's social media presence offered further insight into his state of mind. He frequently posted photos of his gun collection on Facebook, a chilling prelude to the violence he would unleash.
Community Reaction
The tragedy resonated far beyond College Station. Texas Governor Rick Perry, an alumnus of Texas A&M, expressed his sorrow during an event in Florida, offering prayers for the victims. A&M President R. Bowen Loftin called it a "sad day in the Bryan-College Station community."
Caffall's family, grappling with the aftermath, issued heartfelt apologies. His sister, Courtney Clark, expressed their devastation, stating, "Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and this is just a senseless tragedy... We are just distraught by the havoc that he has caused."
In the wake of the tragedy, a local justice of the peace faced criticism for a controversial remark about the costs associated with retrieving Caffall's body. The official later issued a public apology for his insensitivity.
The 2012 College Station shooting remains a somber chapter in the history of a community that continues to heal from the scars of that fateful day.
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Constable Shot
Brazos County Constable Brian Bachmann is shot and killed by Thomas Alton Caffall while serving a legal notice.
Shootout Begins
A shootout ensues between Caffall and responding officers, lasting approximately thirty minutes.
Bystander Killed
51-year-old Chris Northcliffe is fatally shot during the exchange of gunfire.
Caffall Shot Dead
The shootout concludes with the death of Thomas Alton Caffall from police gunfire.
Injuries Reported
Four individuals, including three officers and a civilian, are reported injured during the shootout.
Victims Identified
Brian Bachmann and Chris Northcliffe are identified as the deceased victims of the shooting.
Community Reaction
Texas Governor Rick Perry and Texas A&M President express condolences and concern over the tragic event.
Investigation Continues
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the shooter's background.
On August 13, 2012, a mass shooting occurred in College Station, Texas, when 41-year-old Brazos County Constable Brian Bachmann was shot and killed by 35-year-old Thomas Alton Caffall III while serving a legal notice related to unpaid rent. The incident began around 12:11 p.m. near Texas A&M University, escalating into a shootout between Caffall and responding officers that lasted approximately thirty minutes, resulting in the deaths of Constable Bachmann and bystander Chris Northcliffe, as well as injuries to four others, including a civilian and three officers. Caffall was ultimately fatally wounded by police gunfire, and a cache of firearms, including a stolen SIG Sauer pistol, was recovered from his residence. The case remains a significant incident in local law enforcement history, highlighting the dangers faced by officers in the line of duty.
Some believe that Thomas Alton Caffall III's actions were driven by a deep-seated anger related to financial instability, as he was facing eviction for unpaid rent. Others speculate that his extensive arsenal of firearms indicates premeditation, suggesting he may have been preparing for a violent confrontation. Additionally, there are theories that the incident was influenced by mental health issues, as Caffall's behavior prior to the shooting raised concerns among those who knew him.
The Tragic Events of the 2012 College Station Shooting
On a sweltering afternoon in College Station, Texas, the air was thick with anticipation as 41-year-old Brazos County Constable Brian Bachmann approached the home of Thomas Alton Caffall III. It was August 13, 2012, and Bachmann was there to serve Caffall with a legal notice for a court appearance scheduled ten days later. The summons was due to Caffall's failure to pay $1,250 in back rent. But this routine task was about to spiral into a deadly confrontation that would leave a community in shock.
The Shootout
Around 12:30 p.m., as Bachmann neared Caffall's residence, the situation took a dire turn. Caffall, a 35-year-old gun enthusiast, erupted in anger, drawing a weapon and fatally shooting Bachmann. In the chaos, he snatched the officer's .40-caliber SIG Sauer P226 pistol, a weapon that would soon be at the center of a violent standoff.
As the first shots rang out, 51-year-old Barbara Holdsworth found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. While parking her car half a block away, she was struck by Caffall's gunfire. Her boyfriend, witnessing the horror unfold, immediately dialed 9-1-1, setting off a rapid law enforcement response.
At 12:14 p.m., police officers flooded the scene, engaging Caffall in a shootout that would last a grueling thirty minutes. The air was filled with the sound of gunfire as 65 rounds were exchanged. Amidst this chaos, 51-year-old bystander Chris Northcliffe was fatally wounded, and three officers sustained injuries. Tragically, EMS personnel, attempting to render aid to Northcliffe, were forced to retreat due to the relentless gunfire.
The confrontation reached its bloody conclusion at 12:35 p.m. when Caffall was shot and killed by the police. A "code maroon" alert was swiftly issued by Texas A&M University, a stark warning of the danger that had unfolded just outside its gates.
Aftermath and Investigation
Initial reports were rife with confusion, suggesting that six individuals were injured and the shooter taken into custody. As clarity emerged, it became evident that both Constable Bachmann and civilian Chris Northcliffe had lost their lives, with several others wounded, some not by gunfire but by the sheer chaos of the scene.
The College Station Police Department, led by Assistant Police Chief Scott McCollum, confirmed the grim news. Bachmann, a respected figure in the community, had served as a Brazos County Sheriff's Deputy since 1993 and was the elected Constable for Precinct 1. The community mourned the loss of a dedicated officer and a civilian caught in the crossfire.
The Victims
Fatalities:
- Brian Bachmann (41), officer
- Chris Northcliffe (43), civilian
- Thomas Alton Caffall III (35), gunman
Injuries:
- Justin Oehlke, officer, shot in the calf
- Brad Smith, officer, suffered shrapnel injuries
- Phil Dorsett, officer, suffered shrapnel injuries
- Barbara Holdsworth (51), civilian, seriously wounded and hospitalized
The Perpetrator
Thomas Alton Caffall III, a 35-year-old man with a passion for firearms, was identified as the shooter. He was neither a student nor an employee of Texas A&M. Caffall's stepfather, Richard Weaver, painted a troubling picture of a man increasingly disconnected from reality. Weaver revealed that Caffall had quit his job nine months prior and spent much of his time immersed in video games, which seemed to warp his perception of the world. The family hinted at a struggle with mental illness, a factor that may have contributed to the tragic events.
Caffall's social media presence offered further insight into his state of mind. He frequently posted photos of his gun collection on Facebook, a chilling prelude to the violence he would unleash.
Community Reaction
The tragedy resonated far beyond College Station. Texas Governor Rick Perry, an alumnus of Texas A&M, expressed his sorrow during an event in Florida, offering prayers for the victims. A&M President R. Bowen Loftin called it a "sad day in the Bryan-College Station community."
Caffall's family, grappling with the aftermath, issued heartfelt apologies. His sister, Courtney Clark, expressed their devastation, stating, "Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and this is just a senseless tragedy... We are just distraught by the havoc that he has caused."
In the wake of the tragedy, a local justice of the peace faced criticism for a controversial remark about the costs associated with retrieving Caffall's body. The official later issued a public apology for his insensitivity.
The 2012 College Station shooting remains a somber chapter in the history of a community that continues to heal from the scars of that fateful day.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Constable Shot
Brazos County Constable Brian Bachmann is shot and killed by Thomas Alton Caffall while serving a legal notice.
Shootout Begins
A shootout ensues between Caffall and responding officers, lasting approximately thirty minutes.
Bystander Killed
51-year-old Chris Northcliffe is fatally shot during the exchange of gunfire.
Caffall Shot Dead
The shootout concludes with the death of Thomas Alton Caffall from police gunfire.
Injuries Reported
Four individuals, including three officers and a civilian, are reported injured during the shootout.
Victims Identified
Brian Bachmann and Chris Northcliffe are identified as the deceased victims of the shooting.
Community Reaction
Texas Governor Rick Perry and Texas A&M President express condolences and concern over the tragic event.
Investigation Continues
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the shooter's background.