OAN Staff Addie Davis
1:34 PM – Monday, May 18, 2026
Three suspects are currently in custody following a violent weekend shooting spree across Austin, Texas, which left four people injured.
During a press conference on Sunday, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis announced the initial apprehension of two male juveniles, aged 15 and 17, in connection with the attacks. A third juvenile, a 16-year-old male suspect, initially evaded police but was captured and detained later on Sunday evening as well.
“These are dangerous kids out causing havoc in this city and they had to be taken into custody, and they were safely,” Davis said.
According to Chief Davis, the wave of violence began after the 15-year-old suspect stole a firearm from a local gun store on Saturday — the very same establishment from which the 17-year-old suspect was already wanted for previously stealing a weapon.
This theft kicked off a multi-day spree spanning from Saturday into Sunday, during which the suspects fired shots in 12 separate incidents. The indiscriminate attacks targeted a variety of locations across the city, including homes, apartment complexes, and two local fire stations.
“A firetruck was struck while the fire personnel were right behind that truck,” Davis added.
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Chief Robert Luckritz confirmed that four individuals were wounded throughout the violence, with one victim suffering critical injuries and the other three sustaining non-life-threatening wounds.
Reflecting on the chaos, Chief Davis described the situation as highly complex, noting that the destructive crime spree involved a dangerous combination of active shootings, multiple stolen vehicles, and several civilian casualties.
“We had two individuals at this point that were going and robbing cars and then started firing shots at people,” she continued.
In response to the seemingly random nature of the attacks, law enforcement officers went door to door at targeted apartment complexes and neighborhoods to conduct welfare checks and ensure the safety of residents inside. As the investigation into the timeline continues, Davis stated that authorities have not yet identified a clear motive for the senseless violence.
“I don’t know what motive would drive anybody to come and drive around senselessly in this city, in multiple parts of this city, shooting,” Davis continued.
Among the incidents, Davis described a drive-by shooting in front of a store and a man that was shot in his back on Sunday morning while walking his dog. A shelter in place alert was reportedly put out for south Austin before the suspects’ apprehension.
“These kids are serial criminals with a callous disregard for life. If they are ever released from jail they will surely harm again,” Governor Greg Abbott (R-Texas) posted to X on Sunday. “Austin PD, Travis Co. Sherriff Office & Manor PD did their job. Texas Dept. of Public Safety aided them. The DA & Court must do their job and keep these criminals behind bars.”
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