Texas’ highest criminal court has reinstated a 50-year prison sentence for Aaron Caleb Swenson, a man who armed himself and drove around Texarkana in 2020, livestreaming his intent to kill a police officer.
Swenson, 41, associated with the anti-government “Boogaloo Boys” and was convicted of attempted capital murder of a peace officer. His conviction had been overturned by an appellate court, but the Court of Criminal Appeals ruled Wednesday that his actions crossed the line from preparation to an actual attempt to commit the crime.
Authorities say Swenson was heavily armed and declared on a livestream that he was hunting a police officer. Police intercepted him after a chase and standoff. A jury had also sentenced him to 20 years for terroristic threatening and 10 years for evading arrest.
The Bowie County District Attorney’s Office praised the court’s decision, calling it a victory for justice and law enforcement. Swenson remains in custody at a Texas prison.
