Austin Police Arrest Three Teen Suspects in Weekend Spree of Random Drive-By Shootings That Injured Four

3 Teens Arrested in Austin Random Shooting Spree: 10–12 Attacks, 4 Injured | 17GEN4 News

AUSTIN, Texas (May 18, 2026) — Austin authorities have taken three teenage suspects into custody following a chaotic weekend spree of at least 10–12 apparently random shootings across the city that left four people injured, including one critically.

The incidents began around 3:45 p.m. Saturday, May 16, and continued into Sunday morning, primarily in south and east Austin. Suspects fired from stolen vehicles at random targets, including two fire stations, apartment buildings, houses, and other locations. No clear motive has been established, and police described the attacks as random.

Key Details on the Shootings

• Victims: Four people were shot. One male victim suffered serious/critical injuries and received whole blood treatment on scene before transport; he is now stable. The other three sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries. No fatalities reported.

  
  

• Targets: At least two fire stations were hit (e.g., Fire Station 26 and Fire Station 32). Shots were also fired at residences and apartments.

  
  

• Vehicles & Weapons: Suspects used stolen vehicles (including a black Hyundai Sonata and silver Mazda) and at least one stolen firearm. The 15-year-old is accused of stealing a gun from a store; the 17-year-old had a prior warrant for a separate gun theft from the same location.

  
  

• Public Safety Response: A shelter-in-place order was issued for parts of south Austin and later lifted after arrests. Manor Police assisted in pursuits.

  
  

Suspects and Custody Status

• Three teenagers in custody: A 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy were arrested first after a traffic stop in a stolen vehicle; they attempted to flee. A third male suspect (described as Hispanic, mid-to-late teens) was apprehended later Sunday.

  
  

• Names have not been publicly released because they are juveniles.

• One of the teens had an active warrant related to gun theft. All three face multiple charges, including aggravated assault and vehicle thefts. Investigation ongoing.

  
  

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis and Mayor Kirk Watson praised the rapid multi-agency response. As of Monday morning, May 18, all three suspects remain in custody with no additional suspects being sought.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about juvenile crime and stolen firearms in the Austin area. Police continue processing evidence from the scenes.

3 Teens Arrested in Austin Random Shooting Spree: 10–12 Attacks, 4 Injured | 17GEN4 News

Three teenage suspects now in custody after a weekend of random drive-by shootings in Austin left 4 injured, including one critically. Police detail stolen guns, vehicles, fire station attacks & more. Full updates on the May 17–18, 2026 spree.