Austin police have arrested three teenagers who investigators believe were responsible for 12 shooting incidents across the city. These shootings injured four people and hit two fire stations, prompting a shelter-in-place order in South Austin.
Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis announced that a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old were taken into custody following the events, which began late Saturday and continued into Sunday morning. Davis stated, “We have two suspects in custody.” Concurrently, the Manor Police Department reported a third suspect, who had fled from a vehicle during a pursuit, was later detained. He is confirmed to be a 16-year-old male.
The department assured the public there is no ongoing threat. Authorities revealed the 17-year-old had an outstanding warrant related to a firearm theft from the same location where the 15-year-old allegedly took another gun.
Throughout the spree, the suspects reportedly stole vehicles and shot at apartment buildings, homes, pedestrians, and fire stations. One fire station was targeted twice, and a fire truck was hit while firefighters were present.
Emergency responders treated victims at four separate shooting scenes. One individual suffered critical injuries but was stable, while others had non-life-threatening wounds. Chief Robert Luckritz of Austin-Travis County EMS noted the shootings primarily took place in South Austin.
Residents initially received instructions to shelter in place within specific boundaries while police searched for the suspects. This order was lifted after two suspects were captured. However, efforts to locate a third suspect continued.
Police said the suspects used several stolen vehicles, highlighting the need for residents to avoid leaving keys or key fobs inside their cars.
The investigation began with reports of a stolen vehicle and firearm from an apartment complex, which were later connected as more shootings occurred. Chief Davis described the case as “complex” due to the spread-out scenes and stolen vehicles.
Officers responded to incidents at apartment buildings and homes, communicating door-to-door to check for injuries. Surveillance video captured one shooting involving suspects firing from a passing vehicle, injuring two people. Additionally, a man walking his dog was shot in the back.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson commended the collaboration of local and regional law enforcement, including the Travis County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety, in managing the rapidly escalating situation.
Davis suggested that license plate reader technology could have aided in connecting the shootings and stolen vehicle reports more swiftly, emphasizing the seriousness of juveniles armed and causing disruption.