Two juveniles are in custody after Austin police linked them to a series of random shootings across the city that left four people injured over the weekend. Authorities say a third suspect was also later arrested in connection with the case.
According to the Austin Police Department, investigators tied the suspects to at least a dozen shootings that occurred between Saturday and Sunday morning in multiple parts of Austin. Police said the shootings appeared to be random, targeting people, homes, apartment complexes, and even fire stations.
Officials said one victim was critically injured, while three others suffered less serious injuries. Among the reported incidents was the shooting of a man walking his dog and another involving a woman who was standing outside talking with friends.
Police say the suspects were also connected to a string of stolen vehicles used during the crime spree. Authorities believe at least four vehicles were taken as the shootings unfolded across the city.
The investigation intensified Sunday morning after shots were fired near two Austin fire stations and in several South Austin neighborhoods. The violence prompted a large police response involving SWAT officers, K-9 units, helicopters, and officers from multiple agencies. A temporary shelter-in-place order was issued for parts of South Austin while officers searched for the suspects.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said investigators have not identified a clear motive and described the shootings as seemingly random. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson also called the violence senseless and praised the coordinated law enforcement response.
Because the suspects are juveniles, police have not publicly released their identities. The investigation remains ongoing.
