Police in Austin, Texas, say three suspects are in custody after a string of apparently random shootings across the city left four people injured over the weekend.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said at least 10 shootings were reported from late Saturday into Sunday, targeting homes, apartment buildings, two fire stations and people in public areas. None of the victims died, though one person was seriously injured.
Two suspects, ages 15 and 17, were arrested during a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon and taken to a juvenile detention centre. A third suspect fled from the vehicle, prompting a search that lasted several hours before the person was later apprehended by police in nearby Manor, authorities said.
Davis described the shootings as “senseless” and said investigators had not identified a motive. In one incident Sunday morning, a man walking his dog was shot in the back. Police also said two people were shot outside a store when gunfire was allegedly fired from a moving vehicle.
Authorities said the suspects appeared to have driven around the city in stolen vehicles while carrying out the attacks. Police said at least four vehicles were stolen during the spree. The firearm used in the shootings had allegedly been stolen by the 15-year-old, while the 17-year-old was already wanted in connection with a separate gun theft.
The shootings triggered shelter-in-place alerts in parts of South Austin and later in the Manor area as police searched for suspects. Officials said the alerts were lifted after the arrests and there was no longer an active threat to the public.
The Austin Police Department said the investigation remains ongoing, including whether additional charges will be filed and whether the suspects were linked to other robberies or shootings reported during the same period.
