Oklahoma Judge Arrested in Austin, Texas, for Alleged Shooting Spree and Reckless Driving

A well-established Oklahoma judge, Brian Lovell, currently serving as an associate district judge in Garfield County, is facing legal troubles after his arrest in Austin, Texas. Lovell stands accused of engaging in a shooting spree and reckless driving incident earlier this month, casting doubt on his ability to preside over cases.

The incident, which occurred on September 11, involved Lovell and at least five vehicles targeted by gunshots. Additionally, Lovell is accused of intentionally striking another vehicle at a red light, nearly pushing it into cross traffic with the SUV he was driving.

At present, Lovell is facing a misdemeanor reckless driving charge as a result of his arrest, as indicated by an Austin police affidavit filed with the Austin City Municipal Court. Furthermore, there is the possibility of a felony indictment for deadly conduct in discharging a weapon once a grand jury reviews the evidence, according to documents from the Travis County District Court.

Law enforcement intervened by stopping Lovell’s vehicle roughly two miles away from a reported shots-fired incident that had occurred about 90 minutes earlier. During questioning, Lovell admitted to having two handguns in his car but claimed ignorance regarding why he would have discharged his firearm and had no recollection of the shooting incident, according to court documents.

Regarding the rear-end collision with another vehicle, Lovell informed the police that the other driver had cut him off in traffic. He acknowledged the rear-end collisions but did not admit that they were intentional, according to the police.

Efforts to contact Lovell for comments were unsuccessful, and he declined to speak to a reporter from Oklahoma City NBC affiliate KFOR who visited his residence.

Video evidence played a crucial role in the investigation, showing Lovell’s SUV rear-ending a car. Police also retrieved spent shell casings, including one from a struck vehicle, as well as video footage of the white SUV in the vicinity where vehicles had been shot at.

Following the road rage and shooting incidents, Lovell was taken into custody and later released on a $10,000 bond. He was also ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. As of now, he faces a misdemeanor reckless driving charge and the possibility of a felony indictment related to the shooting incident once a grand jury examines the evidence.

Brian Lovell assumed his role as an associate district judge in January, having run unopposed for the position. Prior to this, he had served as a special judge in Garfield County since 2011.

Paul Woodward, the presiding administrative judge for the Garfield County district, confirmed that Lovell has agreed not to preside over any cases until his own legal matter is resolved. Woodward expressed his disbelief at the situation, describing Lovell as a good friend and colleague for many years.