Authorities in Austin, Texas, are currently seeking a third individual who is believed to be involved in a series of random shootings that have shaken the city over the weekend. The Austin Police Department has already apprehended two suspects in connection with the incidents.
The suspects are allegedly responsible for up to ten separate attacks, which have resulted in injuries to four individuals. According to Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis, one of the victims sustained serious injuries, while the remaining three suffered minor wounds.
Several of these unsettling incidents occurred at Austin fire stations, with the majority concentrated in the South Austin area. The authorities have yet to determine a specific motive behind the shootings, leading them to categorize the attacks as seemingly random acts of violence.
In a public statement released on Sunday, the police department urged residents to remain alert as the investigation continues. “We ask our community to stay vigilant as we work to resolve this situation,” the statement read.
The suspects, who are still at large, have been described as two Hispanic males in their late teens. One is noted to have medium wavy hair, while the other is characterized by longer hair. The police are actively pursuing leads to ensure the safety and security of the Austin community.
The suspects are described as two Hispanic males in their late teens, one with medium wavy hair and the other with longer hair.
They were seen driving a black or dark blue 2012 Hyundai Sonata with a broken right passenger window, pictured below. Police said the suspects have been stealing and switching vehicles. The suspects may also be driving a gold Hyundai sedan, silver Mazda four-door or a white Kia Optima, police said. Davis has urged residents to not leave their vehicles unlocked.
A shelter-in-place was issued in South Austin in the Slaughter Lane, McKinney Falls Parkway, Ben White Boulevard and Escarpment Boulevard area, but has now ended.
The Austin Fire Department said it was aware of two separate incidents in which fire stations were struck by gunfire – one late Saturday night and another on Sunday morning. No firefighters were injured in the shootings, and only minor damage was reported.
The Austin Fire Department remains fully staffed, operational and responding to calls across the city, David Girouard, president of the Austin Firefighters Association said.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact APD at 512-974-5177 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 512-472-8477, or by visiting austincrimestoppers.org. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.