Austin police arrested three juveniles on Sunday (May 17) in connection with a series of 12 random shootings that injured four people and struck two fire stations. The incidents led to a shelter-in-place order in South Austin. According to Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis, the suspects, aged 15 and 17, were taken into custody after a spree that began late Saturday (May 16) and continued into Sunday morning.

The shootings started in the 6700 block of Wentworth Drive, where shots were fired at Fire Station 26. The spree continued with a shooting near Janes Ranch Road and Ballydawn Drive, where a man walking his dog was injured. The suspects also targeted Fire Station 32 and various apartment buildings, firing from a vehicle. A pole camera captured one shooting, showing the suspects firing at a woman outside a store.

The suspects, driving stolen vehicles, evaded capture for several hours. Manor police, along with the Travis County Sheriff's Office, eventually stopped the suspect vehicle, leading to a foot chase. Two suspects were apprehended quickly, while the third was detained later that evening. Manor Police Chief Ryan Phipps noted the extensive search involved helicopters, drones, and nearly 200 officers.

The suspects allegedly stole firearms used in the shootings, and the 17-year-old had an existing warrant for a firearm theft. The spree injured four people, with one victim critically wounded. Austin Travis County EMS Chief Rob Luckridge confirmed all victims were taken to trauma centers.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson praised the multi-agency response and acknowledged the lack of a clear motive for the shootings. Residents expressed their fear and concern over the violence. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the APD's Aggravated Assault Unit.

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