Police are currently investigating a fatal shooting that took place at the Target store located at 8601 Research Boulevard near Ohlen Road in North Austin on Monday afternoon.
The Austin Police Department reported just before 3 p. m. that the suspect was still on the loose, but by 3:13 p. m., KVUE confirmed that the suspect had been apprehended.
Upon arriving at the scene within four minutes, police discovered three individuals shot in the car park. APD Chief Lisa Davis informed KVUE that between three to five people were shot in the Target car park, including a child, reports the Mirror US. The news comes amid recent reports that a UK street was forced into lockdown after an active shooter killed a man.
Who has been shot?
Tragically, three of those injured have since passed away.
Two victims were declared dead at the scene, while the third succumbed to their injuries at the hospital, according to police. A fourth individual was treated at the scene for unrelated injuries.
The suspect has been identified as a 32 year old white male with a history of mental illness. After fleeing the scene, he hijacked a car, crashed it, and then stole a second vehicle before being tased and arrested by police.
Authorities are now examining video footage to determine what could have triggered the shooting.
As part of the response, the 8000 block of the MoPac southbound frontage road is closed between Executive Center Drive and Anderson Lane. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
However, the main lanes of MoPac northbound and southbound remain open.
Authorities have stated that vehicles in the Target car park will remain there until the investigation concludes.