Austin shooting incident: Police detain 3 after 12+ cases

No fewer than 12 shooting incidents occurred in Austin starting Saturday, leaving four individuals injured, including one critically, authorities reported. Two teenage suspects have been arrested, and a third is also in detention, according to police on Sunday.

Austin police stated that the events began around 3:45 p.m. when a car was reported stolen from a residential complex, shortly followed by a gun being reported stolen from a shop.

According to Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, at that moment, it was not apparent that the two events were linked; however, there were about 20 further service calls linked to the suspects, mostly in the South and East areas of Austin.

Police link Austin shootings to stolen car and gun theft

The incidents ceased on Saturday night before resuming on Sunday at 8:47 a.m., when "a man walking his dog was shot in the back," Davis reported.

Davis noted that the majority of the shootings occurred in the southern part of Austin.

Mayor Kirk Watson mentioned that there were two incidents at different fire stations, one of which involved a fire engine being shot while fire fighters were just behind it.

Davis stated that the suspects also targeted apartment buildings. In response, officers conducted door-to-door checks to ensure the safety of all residents.

The chief stated on Sunday afternoon that detectives were on the lookout for various suspect vehicles, including a black or dark blue Hyundai, a gold Hyundai saloon, a silver four-door Mazda, and a white Kia Optima. Davis mentioned that at least four vehicles were taken unlawfully.

"We encountered two individuals stealing cars and then shooting at people," Davis said on Sunday evening. "We had a surveillance camera that recorded one of the incidents in front of a store where two individuals were shot. A woman was there, conversing with someone, and the suspects drove by, firing from their vehicle, and injuring her."

Watson indicated that no motive has been established, and the attacks appeared to be random acts of violence.

"I cannot fathom what would compel someone to drive around recklessly in this city, targeting multiple locations and firing shots," he expressed.

Two teen suspects captured following vehicle pursuit

In their search for suspects, personnel from the Manor Police Department and the Travis County Sheriff's Office conducted a vehicle stop on a white Kia, informed by details provided by Austin police. Three suspects exited the vehicle and fled, but officers succeeded in arresting two of them, according to officials.

Austin police have not released the identities of the two arrested suspects.

Davis mentioned that investigators are unsure when the third individual became involved, but Manor police announced on Sunday evening that the third suspect is now detained.

The chief identified the suspects in custody as boys aged 15 and 17 years. Police informed that the 17-year-old had an outstanding warrant for stealing a firearm from the same store where the 15-year-old allegedly took a gun on Saturday.

The city issued a shelter-in-place advisory on Sunday while the suspects were being sought. This advisory was rescinded after the initial two suspects were apprehended.

The investigation remains open and ongoing, Davis stated.