Random South Austin Shootings Spark Probe

Austin police said on May 18 that three suspects were arrested after a weekend string of shootings, stolen vehicles and related violent crimes across South and East Austin. The Austin Police Department said the incidents unfolded between Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, and are tied to at least 12 separate shootings. Four people were injured, including one person who was critically wounded and later listed in stable condition, according to police and Austin-Travis County EMS. Investigators said some victims were known to the suspects, while other shootings appeared to have no known connection. ### How many shootings are police tying together? Austin police said they are investigating at least 12 shootings linked to the same weekend spree. The department said the gunfire struck apartment buildings, homes, businesses and two Austin Fire Department stations. Three Austin Fire Department trucks were also hit, according to police. The May 18 police release said the broader case also includes stolen vehicles, a stolen firearm and other violent crimes. (austintexas.gov) Investigators said they were still reviewing ballistic evidence, surveillance footage, witness statements and recovered evidence, and additional charges could be filed. ### Who is in custody? The Austin Police Department named one suspect as 17-year-old Cristian Mondragon-Fajardo. (fox7austin.com) Police said two other suspects, ages 16 and 15, were also arrested, but said Texas law limits what can be released publicly about juveniles. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said on Sunday that the 17-year-old had an active warrant tied to the theft of a firearm from the same store where the 15-year-old allegedly stole another gun on Saturday. (austintexas.gov) Police said investigators believe the group stole more than four vehicles during the spree and may have switched vehicles multiple times. ### What do police say happened over the weekend? (austintexas.gov) The Austin Police Department said the first confirmed shooting happened at 3:58 p.m. on May 16 in the 10 block of Yucca Drive, where officers found shell casings and bullet damage at a trailer residence. Police said no injuries were reported there. About 30 minutes later, officers responded to the Whisper Hollow apartment complex in the 3300 block of Parker Lane, where multiple vehicles and an occupied apartment were hit by gunfire, including rooms occupied by adults and young children, police said. (fox7austin.com) Police said a third shooting followed at 6:08 p.m. in the 1600 block of Montopolis Drive at an apartment complex. Fox 7, citing police, reported that one surveillance video showed suspects firing from a moving vehicle and striking a woman who was standing outside a store talking with another person. ### Were the shootings random? (austintexas.gov) Austin police said in a May 17 public alert that the shootings appeared random and that there was “no specific motive or location” at that stage of the investigation. The department asked residents to remain vigilant and said the suspect vehicle was believed to be a black or dark blue 2012 Hyundai Sonata with a broken right passenger window. (austintexas.gov) By May 18, investigators said the incidents appeared to be “a mix of random and targeted shootings.” Police said some victims were known to the suspects, while other incidents appeared to occur without any known connection. Investigators said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public related to these incidents. (austintexas.gov) ### What are residents and investigators waiting on now? The May 18 release said formal charges against Mondragon-Fajardo were still under review and were expected to include multiple counts tied to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a motor vehicle, deadly conduct, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest and theft of a firearm. Police said more charges could follow as evidence review continues. (austintexas.gov) Austin police said anyone with information should contact the Aggravated Assault Unit at 512-974-5177 or submit anonymous tips through Capital Area Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest, according to the department’s May 17 notice. (austintexas.gov) (austintexas.gov)