A shooting at a Target store in Austin, Texas, on Monday killed at least three people, and the suspected gunman is in custody.
During a press conference, Austin Police Department Chief Lisa Davis stated that officers responded to reports of a shooting around 2:15 p.m. and discovered three people shot in the store’s parking lot.
The suspect, who Davies described as about 32 years old, had already fled the scene after stealing a victim’s car from the parking lot.
According to the chief, the suspect wrecked the vehicle before stealing a Volkswagen from a car dealership.
He was later apprehended by Austin police in South Austin and taken into custody following “a tasing,” Davies added.
The chief stated that the subject had exited the vehicle in South Austin when someone called and alerted police.
“We have three people who have died. “This is a very sad day for Austin,” the chief stated. “It’s a very bad day for us all, and my condolences go out to the families.”
A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect has a history of mental health issues, according to the chief.
Davies informed reporters that the suspect has a criminal record and is being held in emergency detention.
Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz stated that when his crews arrived at the scene, they discovered three victims, two of whom were pronounced dead at the scene. The third victim was taken to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
A fourth victim was also treated at the scene, but for unrelated injuries.
Davies told reporters that the investigation has not revealed what caused the shooting, and that police are unsure whether there was an altercation at this point.
Nonetheless, investigators will examine surveillance footage outside of Target to gain a better understanding of what occurred.
According to a source, Target employees directed shoppers out the back of the store.
“We are devastated by today’s violence at our store in Austin, Texas. “Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who died, as well as our Austin team and everyone else affected by this tragedy,” Target said. “We are cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation, and we thank the first responders for their prompt action on the scene. In the coming days, we will continue to work with law enforcement and provide support resources to our team, including grief counseling.”
Police initially described the suspect as a white man wearing khaki shorts and a Hawaiian floral shirt.
