Three youths are in custody following a spree of at least 10 shootings across Austin, Texas, that injured four people, including one critically, police said [1, 2]. The attacks took place from late afternoon on May 16 into the morning of May 17, targeting fire stations, apartment complexes, homes, and pedestrians, with several cars stolen during the incidents [1, 3].
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said, "I don’t know what motive would drive anybody to come and drive around senselessly in this city and shoot," noting no clear motive has been identified [1]. Among the injured were three people with non-life-threatening wounds alongside the critically injured victim [1, 4, 2, 3].
Two of the suspects are boys aged 15 and 17. The 15-year-old is alleged to have stolen the gun used in the shootings, while the 17-year-old was wanted for stealing another weapon [1, 3]. The third suspect is also a minor, but authorities have not disclosed their exact age [1, 2].
Police apprehended the two older suspects after stopping one of four stolen vehicles linked to the spree. The third suspect was arrested later at a gas station in Manor, located about 15 miles east of Austin [1, 2, 3]. During the manhunt, a shelter-in-place order was issued and later lifted for parts of South Austin. Manor remained under such an order until the third suspect’s arrest [1, 4, 2].
The Austin Police Department urged the public to remain vigilant as the investigation continues. "At this time, the investigation is ongoing, and APD asks that our community remain vigilant," the department said [4]. Chief Davis confirmed, "We have two suspects in custody. We have a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old in custody" earlier on May 17 [3].
Authorities continue their probe into the series of shootings and the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ actions. Updated information is expected as the investigation develops.
