Following a series of disturbing, seemingly random shootings across Austin, Texas, two teenagers are now in police custody.
At the time of this update, one suspect remains at large. A shelter-in-place order was previously issued while authorities searched for the suspects and has since been lifted.
During a Sunday evening press conference, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis stated that a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old were taken into custody after a string of shootings, vehicle thefts, and robberies across South and East Austin. Authorities reported that the 17-year-old had an active warrant for stealing a firearm from the same store where the 15-year-old allegedly stole another gun on Saturday. Investigators believe the suspects stole more than four vehicles during the spree and may have switched vehicles multiple times.
Police are investigating at least 12 separate incidents involving gunfire that began Saturday afternoon and continued into Sunday morning. The shootings struck apartment buildings, homes, businesses, and two Austin Fire Department stations. One fire truck was struck while firefighters were standing nearby.
Four people were shot during the incident. Austin-Travis County EMS reported three victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while one victim sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local trauma center after receiving whole blood treatment at the scene. That victim is now listed in stable condition by officials.
The Manor Police Department provided an update as of approximately 8 p.m. Sunday:
– Nearly 200 officers, K9 units, SWAT teams, helicopters, and drones were deployed in a search for the third suspect.
– Two teenage suspects (aged 15 and 17) are in custody following a vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash in the Manor area.
– The third suspect fled on foot during a traffic stop and remains at large.
– The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, mid-to-late teens, last seen wearing a gray shirt and black bottoms.
– A shelter-in-place order for affected Manor neighborhoods (including areas around FM 973, Ralph Ritchie, Suncrest) has been lifted.
– Police believe the suspect could be hiding in a shed, under a car, drainage ditch, or may have left the area entirely.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, lock doors, and call 911 immediately if they see anything suspicious. The broader investigation involves up to 12 random shootings across Austin (including at two fire stations), with four people injured—one critically. No clear motive has been established.