AUSTIN, Texas — Authorities in Austin have arrested two teenagers following a violent overnight crime spree that included multiple random shootings, vehicle thefts, and robberies across the Texas capital, officials confirmed Sunday.
According to Austin police, at least 10 separate shootings were reported between Saturday afternoon and early Sunday morning, leaving four people injured, including one victim listed in critical condition.
Police Chief Lisa Davis said the suspects drove through different parts of the city in stolen vehicles while firing at homes, apartment complexes, and even two fire stations. Investigators described the attacks as seemingly random, with no confirmed motive identified so far.
Teen Suspects Taken Into Custody
The two suspects, aged 15 and 17, were detained after officers stopped a stolen vehicle connected to the incidents. Police said both teenagers attempted to flee on foot before being captured.
Authorities are also searching for a possible third individual who escaped during the traffic stop. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the third suspect was directly involved in the shootings.
Officials revealed that the firearm used during the attacks had previously been stolen by the 15-year-old suspect. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old was reportedly already wanted in connection with another firearm theft case.
Residents Ordered to Shelter in Place
As law enforcement searched for the suspects, city officials issued a temporary shelter-in-place order for parts of southern Austin. The advisory was later lifted after the two arrests were made.
Police said the suspects stole at least four vehicles during the crime spree as they moved through different neighborhoods.
Emergency crews responded to multiple shooting scenes overnight, transporting four injured victims to local hospitals. Authorities have not released the identities of those injured.
City Leaders Condemn Violence
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson described the attacks as deeply concerning and emphasized that investigators currently believe the shootings were random acts of violence.
“We do not have a clear motive at this time,” Watson said during a press briefing. “These incidents appear to have occurred without specific targets.”
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine the full timeline of events and whether additional individuals may have been involved.
Rising Concerns Over Youth Crime and Gun Violence
The incident has reignited public discussion about youth crime, stolen firearms, and community safety in major U.S. cities. Law enforcement officials continue to urge residents to report suspicious activity as investigators collect evidence from multiple crime scenes across Austin.
Authorities said additional charges are expected as the investigation develops.
