Texas police have arrested teenage suspects after a sweeping manhunt following about a dozen shootings and multiple car thefts in Austin over the weekend.
“During a Sunday evening press conference, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old were taken into custody after a string of shootings, vehicle thefts and robberies across South and East Austin,” Fox 7 reported. “Authorities said the 17-year-old had an active warrant for stealing a firearm from the same store where the 15-year-old allegedly stole another gun Saturday. Investigators believe the suspects stole more than four vehicles during the spree and may have switched vehicles multiple times.”
A third suspect who fled from a vehicle was also ” located and detained,” according to the Manor Police Department.
UPDATE: The shelter in place for the south Austin area has been lifted, and two suspects are in custody. One remains at large in the Manor area. More information to follow. https://t.co/8ZBsDsjbvc
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) May 17, 2026
Police had issued a shelter-in-place warning amid the crime spree that left four people injured with gunshot wounds. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Police Chief Lisa Davis updated the public in a news conference, with Davis calling the unfolding investigation “complex.”
“I don’t know what motive would drive anybody to come and drive around senselessly in this city and shoot,” Davis said.
(Video Credit: CBS Texas)
“Across the 12 incidents, the suspects fired at two separate fire stations. At one of those stations, a fire truck was struck while firefighters were standing directly behind it,” ABC 4 News reported. “The suspects also fired into multiple apartment buildings, prompting officers to go door to door to check on residents. A pole camera captured one of the shootings on video, showing the suspects firing from a vehicle at a woman standing outside a store.”
At least four vehicles were stolen during the crime spree, making it initially more challenging for police to track the suspects.
UPDATE: The suspect(s) may be traveling in either the dark sedan previously described, or a gold sedan. https://t.co/aEc4p3QUBT
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) May 17, 2026
“These kids are serial criminals with a callous disregard for life. If they are ever released from jail, they will surely harm again,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott noted in a post on social media.
“Austin PD, Travis Co. Sheriff’s Office & Manor PD did their job. Texas Dept. of Public Safety aided them,” he added. “The DA & Court must do their job and keep these criminals behind bars.”
These kids are serial criminals with a callous disregard for life. If they are ever released from jail they will surely harm again.
Austin PD, Travis Co. Sheriff Office & Manor PD did their job. Texas Dept. of Public Safety aided them.
The DA & Court must do their job and keep…
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 18, 2026
The Austin Fire Department, Austin Travis County EMS, the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Public Safety, and Manor Police Department helped the Austin Police Department during the extensive search, “which involved nearly 200 officers, including canine, SWAT, helicopter, and drone support,” according to ABC 4.
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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