'The scene is secure and safe': Vehicle crashes gate at Texas Capitol, DPS says

John C. Moritz, Corpus Christi Caller Times
·1 min read
Scaffolding at the Capitol protects workers as they replace the leaky roof and seal openings to keep out birds.
Scaffolding at the Capitol protects workers as they replace the leaky roof and seal openings to keep out birds.

A vehicle crashed through a closed gate on the Texas Capitol's southern grounds Thursday night, and a person was "in custody," according to a memo sent to staff members who work at the building.

Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Vic Taylor said he was notified of the crash around 8 p.m. and it was unclear if the incident was intentional or accidental.

"A vehicle drove through the South fence onto the Capitol grounds," said the memo to Capitol staff that was obtained by the Statesman. "There is police activity at south steps; however, the driver/sole occupant is in custody. There are no additional known threats at this time. The scene is secure and safe for normal activity."

Troopers at the scene were investigating the crash Thursday night and a complete report likely would not be available until Friday morning, Taylor said.

The Capitol, a popular destination for tourists and visitors, is generally heavily guarded at all hours by DPS troopers, many of who carry military-style rifles and wear tactical gear.

The House and Senate adjourned Wednesday and are not scheduled to reconvene until Tuesday.

John C. Moritz covers Texas government and politics for the USA Today Network in Austin. Contact him at John.Moritz@caller.com and follow him on Twitter @JohnnieMo.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Texas Capitol: Vehicle crashes gate on southern grounds Thursday