Two teens are in custody and a possible third suspect is being sought in at least 10 mass shootings that left four people injured in the city over the weekend, officials in Austin, Texas, said.
AUSTIN, TX — Two teens have been taken into custody and a third possible suspect is being sought following at least 10 mass shootings over the weekend in Austin, Texas, that left four people injured, Austin, Texas, officials said Sunday.
The suspects, who were driving stolen cars around the city, opened fire on two fire stations, apartment buildings and homes during a series of robberies and shootings from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said.
The two boys, aged 15 and 17, were arrested after they were stopped in a stolen car and attempted to escape. A third person who was in the car also ran away and remained at large. It is unknown if that person was involved in the shooting, Davis said.
She said the firearm used in the shooting had been stolen by the 15-year-old earlier, and that the 17-year-old was wanted on a separate firearm theft charge.
The city ordered residents of a large portion of the southern area of ​​the Texas state capital to shelter in place on Sunday while searching for the suspects. With two suspects in custody, the order was later lifted.
Officials said four victims were taken to hospitals, one with serious injuries.
The suspects stole at least four vehicles as they traveled around the city, Davis said.
Mayor Kirk Watson said: “We do not have any specific motive identified. In fact, these actions appear to be random.”