Over the weekend, two teenagers were arrested and a third suspect is still being sought following at least ten “random” shootings in Austin, which has created significant alarm among residents and prompted the setup of evacuation centers in multiple areas of the state capital.
Austin’s Police Chief, Lisa Davis, announced during a press conference on Sunday that both a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old boy were detained in connection with a series of “senseless” shootings, some of which occurred at a fire station late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
Chief Davis reported that four individuals sustained injuries from the violent spree—one of them seriously, while the others had non-life-threatening injuries.
Around 20 emergency calls flooded in from South and East Austin, related to the shocking incidents. Among these calls were reports of shots striking a fire department truck and bullets hitting an apartment building.
In a separate incident, two people were fatally shot outside a store when someone in a passing vehicle allegedly opened fire. A man walking his dog on Sunday morning was also shot in the back.
The identities of the arrested teens remain undisclosed, but they are suspected of stealing at least four vehicles throughout the crime wave, which has helped authorities link the various shootings.
On Sunday, local officials ordered many residents in South Austin to shelter in place while they searched for the remaining suspect. This order was lifted after officers apprehended the two teenagers during a traffic stop, according to the Austin Police Department.
As of Sunday evening, a curfew was imposed in the Manor area as the search for the third suspect, who fled on foot during the police stop, continued.
The two apprehended teens tried to escape but were caught when officers stopped a white Kia. The police are still clarifying how the third suspect was involved in the shootings.
The 17-year-old already had an outstanding warrant related to a gun theft from a store where the 15-year-old took it on Saturday. Both firearms used in the incidents were reported stolen.
The motive behind the attacks remains unclear.
“This situation resonates with everyone, whether it’s a car dealership, a fire department, or a police station involved. These are dangerous youths causing chaos in our city, and it was essential to take them into custody,” Davis stated.
“The police did an excellent job piecing everything together. It wasn’t easy, but the work was accomplished using the technology we have available,” she added.
The investigation into the series of shootings continues.
