Austin, Texas — Authorities in Austin are continuing an urgent manhunt after a series of shootings across the city left residents shaken, multiple victims injured, and two fire stations targeted over the weekend.
Multiple Shootings Reported Across Austin
According to the Austin Police Department, the violence unfolded between Saturday and Sunday, with authorities linking the suspects to as many as 10 separate shootings across the city.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed during a press conference on Sunday, May 17, that two teenage suspects had been arrested, while a third suspect remains on the run.
The incidents reportedly appeared random, creating fear and confusion throughout several Austin neighborhoods. Officials said the shootings injured four people, including one victim who suffered serious injuries.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson described the attacks as deeply concerning, especially because two of the shootings targeted local fire stations.
Teen Suspects Accused of Gun Theft and Vehicle Theft
Authorities identified the arrested suspects as a 17-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy.
Police revealed that the 17-year-old suspect already had a warrant related to the theft of a firearm. Meanwhile, the younger suspect is accused of stealing a gun from the same location on Saturday.
Investigators also allege that the suspects stole four vehicles during the violent spree, which police say played a major role in the attacks moving rapidly across different parts of the city.
Officials have not yet released the identity of the third suspect, but authorities believe he may be near the Austin suburb of Manor.
Fire Stations Among Targets in Shooting Spree
One of the first shootings reportedly occurred around 9 p.m. Saturday on Wentworth Drive in East Austin. Police said a suspect fired shots toward Austin Fire Station 26.
Another major incident took place around 8 a.m. Sunday near Janes Ranch Road and Ballydawn Drive in Southeast Austin, where a male victim was shot once.
Authorities confirmed the victim remains in serious but stable condition.
Later that morning, around 10:50 a.m., another shooting targeted Fire Station 32 on Montebello Road.
Fortunately, no firefighters were physically injured during the attacks.
The Austin Fire Department later confirmed that only minor property damage occurred despite the alarming incidents.
Firefighters Continue Emergency Response
Despite the shootings involving fire department locations, emergency crews continued working throughout the city.
“Our members are continuing to respond city-wide to other reported shootings and to care for victims,” Austin Firefighters Association president David Girouard said in a statement.
“While our station doors are locked, our crews remain in full force responding to every call to serve our city and respond to our community without hesitation.”
Officials emphasized that the Austin Fire Department remains fully operational despite the frightening attacks.
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Shelter-in-Place Lifted as Search Continues
Following the arrests of the two teens, authorities lifted a shelter-in-place order that had been issued for parts of South Austin.
However, police activity continued in nearby areas. The Manor Police Department issued additional warnings for some neighborhoods, while the Travis County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to stay indoors during ongoing law enforcement operations.
Police are asking residents to remain cautious and avoid leaving vehicles unlocked, as investigators believe car theft played a major role in the suspects’ movements throughout the city.
The Austin Police Department is encouraging anyone with information about the shootings to come forward.
“A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to an arrest,” police said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
What do you think about this shocking string of shootings across Austin? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
