A localized public safety crisis in Central Texas continues as authorities maintain a shelter-in-place order for Manor following a weekend shooting spree across Austin. Police apprehended two teenagers connected to at least 10 random drive-by shootings that left four people injured, but a third suspect remains at large.
The attacks stretched from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning. One victim remains in critical condition. Local officials lifted an initial shelter-in-place directive for South Austin after the two suspects were caught following the string of 10 random shootings.
The suspects frequently swapped stolen vehicles to evade law enforcement during the spree. Police identified at least four stolen cars connected to the crimes, including a white Kia Optima and a Hyundai Sonata, according to statements from Mayor Kirk Watson detailing the specific vehicles involved and the targeting of local fire stations. Suspects fired shots at two separate Austin Fire Department houses during the pursuit.
The individuals in custody are 15 and 17 years old. The 15-year-old was found in possession of a stolen firearm used during the attacks. The 17-year-old had a pre-existing outstanding warrant for a separate firearm theft.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed in a live briefing that investigators have not identified a specific motive for the attacks. The shootings appear entirely random.
The search for the third suspect is ongoing. Residents in the Manor area northeast of Austin are advised to remain indoors while law enforcement continues neighborhood sweeps.