Austin police have apprehended three juveniles believed to be linked to twelve shooting incidents across the city. These events resulted in injuries to four people and strikes on two fire stations. A shelter-in-place order was issued in South Austin as a result.
Chief Lisa Davis from the Austin Police Department reported the arrest of a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old after the incidents, which took place between late Saturday and Sunday morning. “We have two suspects in custody,” Davis announced during a press conference. “A 15-year-old and a 17-year-old are in custody.”
Later on Sunday, the Manor Police Department stated that a third suspect—who had evaded arrest earlier—was found and detained. This suspect is a 16-year-old male, confirmed by the Manor Police Department to Fox News Digital. Austin police subsequently took him into custody.
The public is not facing any ongoing threats, according to a department statement. Authorities revealed that the 17-year-old had a prior warrant related to firearm theft from the same store where the 15-year-old reportedly stole another gun.
The suspects are accused of stealing multiple vehicles and firing shots at apartment complexes, homes, pedestrians, and fire stations. Chief Davis noted that one fire station endured attacks twice, and a fire truck was hit while firefighters were in proximity.
Four people were reported shot during these events. One person sustained critical injuries but is now stable. The remaining three encountered non-life-threatening injuries, according to emergency responders at the sites.
Most shootings were concentrated in South Austin with no apparent motive, as stated by Davis. Authorities initially advised residents to remain sheltered in an area demarcated by South Slaughter Lane, East McKinney Falls Parkway, North Ben White Boulevard, and West Escarpment Boulevard.
The shelter-in-place directive was lifted following the arrest of two suspects. Nevertheless, police continued searching for a third individual who fled during a vehicle stop in the Manor area.
Davis advised community members against leaving keys inside their cars, stating, “What we are seeing are these cars are being stolen.” The criminal activity began when officers responded to reports of a stolen vehicle and firearm from an apartment complex.
Davis described the case as “complex” due to the various scenes, stolen vehicles, and random shootings across Austin. Police responded to multiple areas, ensuring resident safety by checking door-to-door.
Additional surveillance footage showed a vehicle-related shooting outside a store, injuring two individuals. Officers also reported a case where a man walking his dog was shot on Sunday morning.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson commended the collaboration of law enforcement agencies including the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Manor Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety. Davis proposed that license plate reader technology may have expedited investigation processes.
The incidents underscore the threat posed by juveniles armed with firearms, said Chief Davis.