3 arrested after a series of ‘random’ shootings in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — Police in Austin, Texas, arrested three people connected to a series of random shootings across the city this weekend. 

The suspects are allegedly tied to 12 shootings, Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis told KVUE. One victim suffered serious injuries and was in critical condition Sunday, and the other three have minor injuries.

At least two of the shootings occurred at Austin fire stations, and most of the shootings have happened in South Austin.  A number happened at apartment complexes and some happened at homes and stores. Police said there is no specific motive to the shootings, and they appear to be random.

Davis identified two of the suspects as a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old boy. The 17-year-old suspect had a previous warrant for theft of a gun and the 15-year-old is believed to have stolen a gun from the same location on Saturday. The duo is accused of stealing four vehicles over the course of the entire incident.

The first two suspects were arrested at around 3:50 p.m. Sunday in Manor, about 12 miles northeast of Austin, according to police. The third suspect remained on the run throughout most of the day but was eventually detained by Manor police at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday at an H-E-B Fuel. He was taken into custody by Austin police. 

The suspects had been seen driving a black or dark blue 2012 Hyundai Sonata with a broken right passenger window, pictured below. Police said the suspects have been stealing and switching vehicles. The suspects may also be driving a gold Hyundai sedan, a silver Mazda four-door or a white Kia Optima, police said. Davis has urged residents not to leave their vehicles unlocked.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said at a press conference Sunday afternoon that he had been in contact with Gov. Greg Abbott, as well as Manor Mayor Christopher Harvey, in the wake of the shootings.

The Austin Fire Department said it was aware of the incidents in which fire stations and one truck were struck by gunfire – one late Saturday night and another on Sunday morning. No firefighters were injured in the shootings, and only minor damage was reported. 

A shelter-in-place was issued in South Austin in the Slaughter Lane, McKinney Falls Parkway, Ben White Boulevard and Escarpment Boulevard area, but has now ended.