Interim Austin Chief of Police Robin Henderson said that a shooting incident in the 10000 block of Research Blvd. on Aug. 31 left two people dead, including the individual authorities allege was the suspect.
“The investigation is in its preliminary stages, and there are limited details I could share at this time,” Henderson, who recently assumed the post from the retired Joseph Chacon, said in a Facebook video posted on the Austin Police Department’s (APD) page. “I would like to offer condolences to the families of the victims here today in addition to the several witnesses that witnessed this tragedy.”
Austin ABC affiliate KVUE Channel 24 reported that APD said the incident took place at the Arboretum Shopping Center at approximately 5 p.m. Citing the law enforcement agency, the station reported that the shooting happened close to the Teapioca Lounge, with one caller claiming to have heard gunfire and others saying at least one person was hit.
According to Austin NBC affiliate KXAN Channel 36, authorities arrived at the scene to find two people dead. At least one other person was transported to the hospital and listed in critical condition, KXAN reported. The station reported that Henderson said the relationship between the suspect and the victims is unknown.
KVUE reported that APD was assisted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Austin Fire Department (AFD), the Austin Independent School District Police Department (AISDPD), Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
A spokesperson for the Washington Prime Group, which owns the northwest Austin shopping center, said in a statement obtained by Channel 24 that the company is “deeply saddened” by the tragedy. “The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority,” the statement read. “We are working closely with the Austin Police Department as they investigate this isolated incident.”