Three people were killed in a shooting outside a Target store in North Austin, Texas, on Monday, Aug. 11, as authorities responded to a violent incident that left the community in shock.
Incident at Target Store in North Austin
According to the Austin Police Department, officers were called to the Target store at 8601 Research Boulevard just after 2 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Police initially identified the suspect as a man wearing khaki shorts and a floral print t-shirt. Within an hour of the incident, the suspect was detained.
Suspect Flees and Is Apprehended
The suspect, a 32-year-old male, reportedly stole a car from the scene and fled the area. After crashing the first stolen vehicle, he then stole another car from a nearby dealership before being apprehended by police officers in South Austin.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis confirmed that the suspect was caught after being subdued by a stun gun.
Victims and Investigation
One of the victims is believed to have been the driver of the car that was stolen outside the Target store. While authorities investigate the motives behind the shooting, they have noted that the suspect has a history of mental health issues.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson condemned the violence, calling it “a sickening, cowardly act of gun violence,” and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. “I am grateful for the quick response of our officers and first responders,” he said in a statement on social media.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to seek more information about the incident. Police have yet to release the identities of the victims, and more updates are expected as the situation develops.
Community Reactions
As Austin deals with the aftermath of this tragedy, many community members are expressing their shock and concern about the increasing instances of gun violence in public spaces. Local officials have promised a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the crime and its cause.
This is a developing story, and authorities continue to work on gathering details surrounding the incident. Further updates are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
