Random South Austin Shootings Update

Austin police said on May 18 that three suspects were arrested after a weekend string of shootings, vehicle thefts and related crimes that stretched across South and East Austin. The investigation began with public warnings on Sunday that the shootings appeared random and had no clear motive or pattern. By late Sunday, Austin and Manor police had detained three suspects, including 17-year-old Cristian Fajardo Mondragon, while two younger suspects remained unnamed because they are juveniles under Texas law. Police said they are investigating 12 shootings that left four people injured and struck homes, apartments, businesses and Austin Fire Department property. ### How did the investigation shift from “random shootings” to arrests? Austin police said on May 17 that they were seeking help identifying suspects tied to various shootings that occurred on Saturday, May 16. The department described the suspects at that stage as a white or Hispanic male in his late teens and said the vehicle was believed to be a black or dark blue 2012 Hyundai Sonata with a broken right passenger window. Police asked the public not to approach the suspects and said tips could be sent to the Aggravated Assault Unit or Capital Area Crime Stoppers. (austintexas.gov) By Sunday evening, Police Chief Lisa Davis said a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old had been taken into custody, and Manor police later announced a third suspect had been detained near FM 973 and U.S. Highway 290. KXAN reported that 911 callers had reported a suspicious person at a gas station about a mile from where the suspects’ vehicle crashed, and Manor police said license plate readers helped locate the vehicle. (austintexas.gov) ### What do police say happened over the weekend? The Austin Police Department said the crimes occurred between Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, and included shootings, stolen vehicles and a stolen firearm. In a May 18 release, police said investigators believe the incidents were a mix of random and targeted shootings, with some victims known to the suspects and others appearing to have no connection. (fox7austin.com) The first confirmed shooting happened at 3:58 p.m. on May 16 at a trailer residence on Yucca Drive, police said. The department’s timeline also listed shootings at the Whisper Hollow apartment complex on Parker Lane, an apartment complex on Montopolis Drive, and other locations across the city after officers first received a report at 11:30 a.m. that a firearm had been stolen from a business at 321 W. Ben White Boulevard. Police said the Hyundai Sonata seen in surveillance footage had itself been stolen from the Social Apartments on East Oltorf Drive. (austintexas.gov) ### How many people were hurt, and what else was hit? Four people were injured during the shootings, according to police and local media reports. Fox 7 Austin reported that one victim was critically wounded but later listed in stable condition, while three others suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The station said Austin-Travis County EMS treated the critically injured victim with whole blood before transport to a trauma center. (austintexas.gov) Police said the gunfire also hit multiple buildings and emergency facilities. Fox 7 reported that two Austin Fire Department stations were struck, along with a fire truck that was hit while firefighters were nearby. In its May 18 account, Fox 7 said five cars, four homes, three fire department trucks and two fire stations were hit by gunfire during the weekend. (fox7austin.com) ### Who is in custody, and what charges are expected? Austin police identified the oldest suspect as Cristian Mondragon-Fajardo, 17, and said two other suspects are ages 16 and 15. APD said formal charges for Mondragon-Fajardo remained under review as of May 18 and were expected to include multiple counts related 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. (fox7austin.com) Because two of the suspects are juveniles, APD said it is limited in what it can release publicly about their identities, booking information and detention status. Investigators said additional charges could follow as they review ballistic evidence, surveillance footage, witness statements and recovered evidence. Police also said they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public related to these incidents. (austintexas.gov) ### What should residents watch for next? Austin police said the investigation remains active and that detectives are still reviewing evidence from the shootings and related vehicle thefts. The department said tips can be directed to the Aggravated Assault Unit at 512-974-5177 or submitted anonymously through Capital Area Crime Stoppers, which police said was offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. (austintexas.gov) (austintexas.gov)