Man Dressed As Santa Claus Opened Fire At Costume Party, Police Say

A man dressed as Santa Claus was arrested for allegedly opening fire on guests during a costume party at his home in Austin, Texas, killing one and injuring three others, according to reports Monday.

The shooting happened Sunday morning after alleged gunman Randall Gaston Jones, 32, got drunk during the party and was asked to leave by his roommates, Austin Police Lt. Jason Staniszewski said at a news conference. Jones then thought to have returned to the party with a gun and opened fire on guests, police said.

Authorities arrested Jones on three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The shooting occurred around 6:15 a.m. Sunday at a house party in the 5500 block of Avenue F.

Michael McCloskey, 37, died at a hospital Sunday evening. He was shot several times as he attempted to intervene, police said. Two women were also hospitalized at nearby Dell Seton Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. A third victim was treated at the scene.

Police said the suspect knew the victims and that the shooting was not a random act of violence.

After the incident, Jones went to a neighbor’s home and claimed that a fight broke during the party and that he would surrender to police. When authorities arrived, a handgun was found on the doorstep and Jones was outside waiting to be arrested, according to reports.

"When officers arrived at the second location, they took the suspect into custody without incident," Det. Lee Knouse said.

Jones was arrested and later booked into Travis County Jail. A murder charge is pending, police said.