Round Rock Man Shot By Former Business Partner Outside Auto Shop

ROUND ROCK, TX — An Austin man has been accused of shooting his ex-business partner at a Round Rock automotive shop over the weekend, according to a published report.

Omar Dontae Sypho, 33, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. According to an arrest affidavit referenced by the Austin American-Statesman, the business partner was transported to St. David's Hospital in Round Rock with a shotgun injury to his stomach. The victim is said to have survived the shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon at the Little Shop of Automotive located at 1801 Interstate 35 South.

Police were alerted to the incident just after 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. A witness later told investigators he heard the victim and Sypho arguing outside of the auto shop before hearing the gunshot, according to the affidavit. The witness told police he then saw Sypho standing over the victim and had the presence of mind to jot down the suspect's license plate number before he left the scene.

Police later found the suspect's care about an hour later parked outside an apartment complex at 605 Masterson Pass in North Austin and detained Sypho as he was leaving an apartment with a suitcase in hand, the Statesman reported based on the affidavit details.

The victim told police he attempted to forge a business partnership with Sypho about three months ago, but the suspect allegedly took business tools, paperwork and $300 from him, according to the affidavit. As the argument ensued outside the shop, the victim acknowledged having punched Sypho, according to the affidavit. That's when Sypho is said to have opened his car door and reach for a piston resting on the front seat.

During an ensuing struggle, the victim was shot in the abdomen, an account corroborated by surveillance video, according to the affidavit.

Sypho was being held in the Williamson County Jail as of Monday with bail set at $75,000.

>>> Read the full story at Austin American-Statesman

Booking photo of Omar Dontae Sypho via Williamson County Jail records