San Angelo Man Sentenced to 20 Years in 2021 College Station Hate Crime Shooting

BRYAN, TX — A Brazos County jury sentenced a San Angelo man to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to a 2021 shooting in College Station that investigators determined was motivated by bias and prejudice, according to the Brazos County District Attorney’s Office.

Zachary Pfluger, 31, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for shooting a man three times on Oct. 31, 2021. Prosecutors said the jury also found that Pfluger committed the crime because of bias or prejudice.

Police responded to a 911 call from a man who reported Pfluger shot him twice. Dispatchers heard a third gunshot and cries of pain during the call. Officers forced entry into Pfluger’s apartment, where they said he ran to his bedroom, threatened to shoot officers, and barricaded himself. Pfluger surrendered after a seven-hour standoff, in which he did shoot at police. 

The victim told police he knew Pfluger through church and was shot after Pfluger called him racist and homophobic slurs. According to court documents, the victim stopped by Pfluger’s apartment on Atlas Pear Drive while heading to a wedding. The victim said Pfluger was offended by what he was wearing.

Authorities said a search of Pfluger’s phone revealed hundreds of racist and homophobic messages exchanged with more than 30 people over two years, including texts supporting murder against African Americans and LGBTQ individuals.

During the trial, Pfluger claimed he was in a psychotic state due to Adderall abuse and believed the victim had a gun.

Pfluger must serve half of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. He also faces two pending aggravated assault charges against a public servant, with a trial date to be set.