A major law enforcement response unfolded in Belton, Texas, on Thursday, September 17, after police located a vehicle connected to an early-morning shooting in nearby Troy and began searching for an armed murder suspect.
The search brought a heavy police presence to the area around FM 93, Interstate 35 and East 6th Avenue, with portions of the roadway closed while officers worked to locate the suspect.
Belton police later confirmed that the man had been captured, bringing the hours-long manhunt to an end.
Belton Shooting Investigation Leads Police to Suspect
According to authorities, Belton police were dispatched at approximately 10:44 a.m. Thursday to the 1600 block of East 6th Avenue following a Flock Safety camera alert involving a vehicle connected to a shooting in Troy earlier that morning.
The shooting in Troy was being investigated after police responded at approximately 1:20 a.m. to a residence in the 700 block of Tower Street.
Officers found a woman in her late 30s who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police identified Johnathan Allen Nance-Karl, 38, as a person of interest in the case and began efforts to locate him.
Suspect Encounter Leads to Gunfire in Belton
The search intensified after officers located Nance-Karl in Belton.
Police said the suspect fled on foot after officers attempted to make contact with him. He then allegedly engaged officers in gunfire before running into a wooded area.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to assist with the search.
Residents in the surrounding area were advised to remain indoors while officers searched for the suspect.
The situation also prompted precautionary measures at several nearby schools and facilities.
Belton Shooting and Police Response Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident date | September 17, 2026 |
| Location | Belton, Texas |
| Primary area | FM 93, I-35 and East 6th Avenue |
| Related incident | Early-morning shooting in Troy, Texas |
| Suspect identified | Johnathan Allen Nance-Karl, 38 |
| Victim in Troy | Woman in her late 30s |
| Police encounter | Suspect allegedly fled on foot and exchanged gunfire with officers |
| Outcome | Suspect captured |
| Road closures | I-35 northbound and portions of East 6th Avenue |
| Schools | Several nearby campuses placed on hold as a precaution |
I-35 and East 6th Avenue Closed During Manhunt
The police operation caused significant disruption around Belton.
I-35 northbound and surrounding areas were shut down for several hours, while part of East 6th Avenue was also blocked.
The closures were intended to provide law enforcement with space to conduct the search and limit public exposure to the ongoing operation.
Drivers in the area were advised to avoid the scene while officers continued their work.
The heavy police presence also drew attention from residents as multiple agencies participated in the response.
Nearby Schools Placed on Hold
Several Belton-area campuses were placed on hold while the suspect remained at large.
The campuses listed in reports included Delta, Hubbard Branch, New Tech, DAEP and BECS.
Belton Christian Youth Center was also reported to have been placed on hold.
The precautionary measures were taken because of the active police search and the reported exchange of gunfire involving the suspect.
Johnathan Allen Nance-Karl Captured
Belton police later confirmed that the manhunt had ended with the capture of Johnathan Allen Nance-Karl.
The arrest followed hours of searching in the Belton area after he allegedly fled into nearby woods following the encounter with officers.
His capture allowed the immediate search operation to come to an end, although the broader investigation into the Troy death remains ongoing.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting in Troy and the events that led to the confrontation in Belton will be examined by investigators.
Troy Woman’s Death Remains Under Investigation
The Belton manhunt was connected to the investigation into the death of a woman found at a Troy residence early Thursday morning.
Police said the woman was in her late 30s and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The available reports do not provide additional verified details about her identity, the circumstances of her death or the motive behind the incident.
Those details are expected to be addressed through the continuing investigation.
Belton Shooting Brings Major Police Presence
The incident created significant concern in the Belton community because the search involved an armed suspect and an exchange of gunfire with officers.
Residents were asked to stay inside during the search, while schools and other facilities took precautionary measures.
For motorists, the temporary closures around I-35 and East 6th Avenue also created substantial traffic disruption.
With the suspect now captured, authorities can continue investigating the underlying case without the immediate manhunt that dominated the area throughout Thursday.
Investigation Continues After Belton Arrest
Although the search for Nance-Karl has ended, investigators still face questions surrounding the original shooting in Troy.
Authorities will continue examining evidence and determining the circumstances that led to the woman’s death and the subsequent police pursuit.
The exact charges against Nance-Karl and additional details about the case may become clearer as investigators and prosecutors release more information.
For now, the confirmed development is that the armed murder suspect sought in connection with the Troy investigation was captured in Belton following a significant police response.
Disclaimer
This article is based on preliminary reports concerning the September 17, 2026 police operation in Belton, Texas, involving Johnathan Allen Nance-Karl and a shooting investigation originating in Troy. Allegations concerning the suspect remain matters for the legal process. Details about the victim’s identity, motive, the circumstances of the Troy death and potential charges may change as the investigation develops. Readers should rely on official statements from law enforcement and court records for subsequent updates.