The alleged gunman who killed three people Sunday near an apartment complex in Austin, Texas, was taken into police custody after a manhunt that lasted about 20 hours.

Stephen Nicholas Broderick, 41, a former detective at the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested Monday at around 7:30 a.m. after police responded to a pair of 911 calls about a man walking along a rural highway in nearby Manor, Texas.

Manor Police said Broderick had a loaded pistol in his waistband.

According to police, Broderick knew the victims. Police have not provided a possible motive.

Broderick had a criminal record before the shootings. Travis County court records showed that he was arrested in June 2020 and charged with the sexual assault of a child.

Following his 2020 arrest, Broderick’s wife filed for a protective order and a divorce. In the documents for the protection order, she revealed that she feared for both her and her children's safety.

Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said he will ask for Broderick to be held without bail.

“Because Mr. Broderick committed this heinous crime after he paid a money bond to be released on charges related to sexual assault against a child, Texas law permits his detention without bail,” Garza said in a statement.

“Our office will ensure that Mr. Broderick remains in custody and is held accountable. My heart continues to break for the victims of this senseless act of violence, their families, and for the anguish of our community.”

On Monday, the Elgin school district identified two of the three victims as Alyssa Broderick and Willie Simmons.

“We are heartbroken by the news of this senseless tragedy, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families of Willie Simmons III and Alyssa Broderick,” the district said in a statement.

police tape
Representational image of a police tape. Manuel Handboy was arrested after he struck three women with his vehicle in Colorado. REUTERS/Jonathan Bachman
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