Police in Austin, Texas, have arrested three young individuals in connection with a series of at least 12 random shootings that occurred over the weekend, leaving four people injured, one of them in critical condition.
Details of the Arrests
According to officials, the suspects were driving around in stolen vehicles. They fired at fire stations, apartments, and houses during a spate of robberies and shootings that took place from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning. The city ordered residents to shelter in place while law enforcement searched for the suspects, a directive that was lifted after two of the individuals were taken into custody.
Two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, were arrested after being pulled over in a stolen car. They attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended. A third person who was in the car also ran but was tracked down at a gas station approximately 15 miles northeast of the city.
Weapons and Vehicles
Police Chief Lisa Davis stated that the gun used in the shootings had been stolen by the 15-year-old. The 17-year-old was already wanted for a separate theft. The suspects stole at least four vehicles as they drove around the Texas capital.
Four people sustained injuries in the shootings, with one victim in critical condition. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson commented, “We don’t have any specific motive that has been identified. These actions appear to be random. What we’re asking is that all of our people, all of our residents, please remain vigilant.”
Identification of a Suspect
One of the teenagers arrested has been identified as 17-year-old Cristian Mondragon, according to the Austin American-Statesman. He faces charges including aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and evading arrest with a vehicle. A warrant had been issued for his arrest in recent months, the newspaper reported.
The Austin Police Department’s incident report database indicates a firearm theft from Central Texas Gun Works last Saturday. Store owner Michael Cargill confirmed the theft to the paper and corroborated a Reddit post stating that the theft occurred while a class was in progress.
