Police Search For Dripping Springs Teen Accused Of Attacking Mom With Hammer, Screwdriver

DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX — Hays County law enforcement officials continue to search for a teen accused of beating his mother with a hammer and stabbing her with a screwdriver earlier this week.

The aggravated assault occurred in the 400 block of Limestone Trail on Tuesday. Police accuse William Michael Bryars, 17, with assaulting his mother before fleeing the scene in her vehicle.

The suspect is described as standing 5' 9" in height, weighing 145 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes. Officials provided a photo of the suspect via a driver's license photo, as well as a photo of the type of car in which he fled.

The car is described as a 2012 black, two-door Nissan Altima with Texas license plate HGB 1301. Police said it has damage to the front passenger quarter panel and rear passenger section.

"The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous," police wrote on their Facebook page. "Do not approach. Immediately dial 911 and report any information."

Hays County police said the teen might be en route to Missouri, basing that conjecture on additional threats made to other family members.

Those with information are urged to contact the Hays County Sheriff's Office at (512) 393-7896 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477). Tipsters also can provide information via the app P3tips.com.

Those with information leading to Bryars' arrest and indictment may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, police said. All calls are kept confidential, and tipsters are able to remain anonymous if desired. Those with information also do not have to testify in court, police added.

Dripping Springs is located 21 miles southwest of Austin.

>>> Photo of Michael Bryars courtesy of Hays County Sheriff's Office