AUSTIN, TX – Three juveniles are in custody following a violent, 28-hour crime spree that spanned across Austin, leaving four people injured, five vehicles stolen, and two fire stations damaged.
The Arrests
The Austin Police Department (APD) arrested 17-year-old Cristian Fajardo Mondragon on Sunday, alongside two other suspects aged 15 and 16. While Mondragon’s mugshot has been released, the names of the younger teens remain withheld due to Texas state laws regarding juvenile suspects.
Investigators stated the 12 separate incidents were a mix of targeted and completely random shootings.
Timeline of the 28-Hour Rampage
Saturday, May 16
- 11:30 a.m. – A firearm is stolen from a local business, and suspects flee in a recently stolen vehicle.
- 3:58 p.m. – The first shooting is reported at a trailer residence; no injuries.
- 4:30 p.m. – Shots are fired at the Whisper Hollow apartment complex, striking multiple vehicles and an occupied unit.
- 6:08 p.m. – A suspect fires through the door of a third-floor apartment unit.
- 7:00 p.m. – The suspects steal a Hyundai Elantra from a Motel 6 parking lot.
- 8:49 p.m. – Gunfire strikes an active Austin Fire Department station. No firefighters were injured.
- 8:55 p.m. – Suspects fire from their vehicle, shattering the windshield of an occupied car and injuring a victim with broken glass.
Sunday, May 17
- 3:50 a.m. – The group steals another vehicle, abandoning a bullet-damaged car near E. Stassney Lane.
- 8:46 a.m. – A victim is shot in the back and stomach near Janes Ranch Road.
- 10:46 a.m. – A second Austin Fire Department station is struck by gunfire. Hours later, a white Kia Optima is stolen.
- 1:44 p.m. – Two victims are injured in a drive-by shooting involving the stolen Kia.
- 2:29 p.m. – A victim is shot and critically injured by suspects inside the white Kia sedan, suffering life-threatening injuries.
The Police Pursuit
The rampage came to an end at 3:23 p.m. on Sunday when Manor Police Department officers spotted the stolen Kia. A brief vehicle pursuit ensued, ending when the three suspects abandoned the car and fled on foot.
All three individuals were quickly tracked down and taken into custody by responding officers. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish a motive.
