Austin police arrested a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old in connection with up to 10 shootings across the city over a weekend, injuring four people. Two of the incidents involved shots fired at Austin Fire Department stations; no firefighters were hurt. Authorities say the suspects also allegedly stole four vehicles. A third suspect remains at large near Manor as investigators continue the search.
Austin Police Arrest Two Teens After Weekend Shooting Spree; Third Suspect Still At Large
One of the suspects is seen via security camera footage.Credit: Austin Police Department
Austin police have arrested two teenage suspects in connection with a string of shootings that spanned the city over a weekend, injuring four people. Authorities say the youths — a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old — are linked to as many as 10 separate shooting incidents and multiple vehicle thefts. A third suspect remains at large and is believed to be near the Austin suburb of Manor.
Arrests and Allegations
At a May 17 press briefing, Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis confirmed that a 17-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy were taken into custody in connection with the incidents. Officials said the 17-year-old had an outstanding warrant related to the theft of a firearm, and the 15-year-old is accused of stealing a gun from the same location on Saturday. Police also allege the pair stole four vehicles during the series of events.
Timeline and Locations
Police say the shootings occurred over Saturday and Sunday across multiple neighborhoods in Austin:
Saturday, ~9 p.m. — Shots were fired toward Fire Station 26 on the 6700 block of Wentworth Drive in East Austin.
Sunday, ~8 a.m. — A male victim was struck once near Janes Ranch Road and Ballydawn Drive in Southeast Austin; he is being treated in serious but stable condition.
Austin Police vehicle (stock image)Credit: Credit: City of Austin Government/Facebook
Sunday, ~10:50 a.m. — Shots were fired toward Fire Station 32 on the 2800 block of Montebello Road. No firefighters were injured and damage to stations was described as minor.
Public Safety Response
Mayor Kirk Watson and public safety officials called the attacks seemingly random. The Austin Fire Department said its emergency response model has not been affected and crews remain fully operational. David Girouard, president of the Austin Firefighters Association, emphasized that firefighters continue to respond city-wide:
"Our members are continuing to respond city-wide to other reported shootings and to care for victims. 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."
Following the arrests, a previously issued shelter-in-place order for parts of South Austin was lifted. However, Manor police issued localized orders for portions of their jurisdiction, and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office asked residents to remain indoors while law enforcement conducted operations.
How the Public Can Help
Chief Davis urged residents to keep vehicles locked, noting that car thefts were a significant element in the incidents. Authorities asked anyone with information to call the Austin Police Department at 512-974-5177 or to submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477 or via https://austincrimestoppers.org. Police said a reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.
The investigation is ongoing and police continue to search for the third suspect believed to be in the Manor area.
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