Three people were killed Monday in a shooting at a North Austin Target before the suspect fled in several stolen vehicles and was eventually arrested in South Austin, police said.
The shooting happened at the Target located at 8601 Research Boulevard, between Ohlen Road and Fairfield Drive. Austin-Travis County EMS initially reported four patients, but police later clarified that three people were shot and all died from their injuries. A fourth victim was treated for an unrelated matter.
The motive remains unclear at this time, according to APD.
Who is the Austin Target shooting suspect?
Police identified the suspect as a 32-year-old white male with a history of mental health issues. APD said he also “does have a rap sheet with us,” though details of his prior offenses were not immediately released. His name has not been released.
Investigators said the suspect fled the Target in a stolen vehicle, crashed it, then carjacked another vehicle before driving to South Austin. He was taken into custody without further incident.
APD has not determined a motive for the shooting. Investigators have not said whether the suspect knew the victims, and the victims’ names have not been released pending family notification.
The Target is located in a busy shopping corridor in North Austin surrounded by retail stores and restaurants. Shoppers reported hearing gunshots and seeing people run from the store as police arrived.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or saw the suspect during his escape to call 911 or submit tips through Crime Stoppers.
