Two teenagers and a third suspect have been arrested in connection with at least 10 random shootings in Austin, Texas, over the weekend. The attacks caused widespread fear and led authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order across large parts of the city.
Teens Arrested in Austin Shooting Spree
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said that a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy were arrested for a series of “senseless” shootings that occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning. The crimes included two shootings at fire stations.
A third suspect, whose age has not been disclosed but is believed to be another young person, was also taken into custody later on Sunday.
Injuries and Damage
Four people were injured during the weekend violence, including one person with critical injuries, while the others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Police received around 20 emergency calls reporting gunfire across South and East Austin. Incidents included bullets striking trucks at fire stations, apartments, and people walking outdoors. One man was shot in the back while walking his dog, and two others were injured while standing outside a store when the suspects allegedly fired from a moving vehicle.
Connection Between Suspects
The two arrested teens allegedly stole more than four vehicles during the crime spree, helping authorities connect the separate shootings. The third suspect was apprehended after fleeing from a car during a traffic stop involving the other two teens, according to the Manor Police Department.
Shelter-in-Place Orders
During the search for the suspects, parts of South Austin were placed under a shelter-in-place order, which has since been lifted after the arrests. A similar order was in effect in the Manor area while police searched for the third suspect. Authorities confirmed there is now “no ongoing threat to the public.”
How the Teens Were Caught
The two teens tried to escape but were arrested during a traffic stop involving a white Kia. Police said it is unclear how the third suspect is connected to the shootings.
The 17-year-old already had a warrant for stealing a gun from a shop, while the 15-year-old had stolen a firearm on Saturday. Officials allege that the guns used in the shootings were both stolen.
Motive and Investigation
Authorities have not revealed a clear motive for the attacks. Chief Davis said, “It doesn’t matter whether it was a car dealership, a fire station, or a police station—these are dangerous kids causing havoc, and they had to be taken into custody.”
Davis praised the police department for quickly connecting the shootings, stating, “Piecing all of that together was complex, but it was done using the technology we have.”
The investigation into the shootings is ongoing.
