Police Arrest Suspect in Ethicon Shooting

The San Angelo Police have located and arrested the male suspect sought Tuesday afternoon near Ethicon, who is alleged to have fired several rounds from a handgun at employees of the business in a neighboring field. 

As of yet, the police have not released the name of the suspect, however expressed that they wanted to pass on the information to the public as quickly as possible in order to alleviate concerns of safety.

Citizens may now cease to shelter in place and go about their activities in the area. Further updates are anticipated to be provided this afternoon or evening. Howard College and the St. John's campus have lifted their lockdowns, however all evening classes have been canceled for today.

The suspect was located near where the police had been searching this afternoon.

According to police, dispatch received a call at approximately 12:05 this afternoon in reference to shots fired near the Ethicon facility at 3348 Pulliam. When officers arrived on scene, they learned that a small group of employees had gone into a neighboring field, where they spotted a white male in his 30s, who then fired several rounds from a handgun at the party. 

No one was injured in the shooting, and police immediately responded to the area, setting up a roughly one-mile perimeter and searching the area with K9s and officers. Business and schools nearby were placed on lockdown following the incident, and citizens were urged to shelter in place and avoid the area if possible.

After approximately two and a half hours on scene, Police Chief Tim Vasquez stated that the perimeter would be broken and that the search efforts would be refocused. Police located and apprehended the suspect in less than an hour and a half after the relocation, and placed the man under arrest. 

Update 9:30 p.m. From SAPD

At approximately 3:43 p.m., SAPD Detectives located the suspect hiding amongst vegetation in the area.   The man has been identified as Kenneth W. Acy, Jr. (DOB 11-06-87) of San Angelo.  Acy was transported to Shannon Medical Center for treatment of unknown medical issues after he complained of being in medical distress at the scene.  Upon his release from medical treatment, Acy will be transported to the Tom Green County Jail.  He faces charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  Police also recovered the handgun Acy used during the incident. 

Police initially responded to Ethicon for the report of shots fired shortly after noon today.  Upon arrival, police learned the incident did not occur within the building but took place in a field located west of the facility.  Ethicon reportedly owns the property. 

After an ongoing investigation, police have learned Ethicon employees stumbled upon Acy as he was burglarizing one of the work vehicles located on the property.  Police believe Acy was startled by their arrival, which prompted the shooting.  The employees were able to escape without injury.

Officers with the Department’s Patrol and Criminal Investigations Divisions, Specialized Operations Section (SOS), and K-9 Unit conducted today’s ground search with the assistance from Texas DPS Troopers and Tom Green County Sheriff’s Deputies.  US Customs and Border Patrol Agents provided aircraft support.     

During the search, police advised nearby residents and businesses to shelter in place.  Multiple locations, including the St. John’s medical campus, Holiman Elementary School, and PaulAnn Baptist Church were placed on lockdown for precautionary measure.