A social media sale gone awry in Austin ended with gunshots at Barton Creek Mall last weekend, leaving one man wounded and police on the lookout for leads. According to the Austin Police Department, the gunfire erupted after a private sale between two pairs of men turned violent on Saturday afternoon.
The APD reported that they responded to the shooting at approximately 4:45 p.m. in the 2900 block of S. Capital of Texas Hwy Northbound, the injured man was part of the quartet that had arranged to exchange goods advertised on a social media platform, authorities said. Though the two pairs had not met before and after a fight broke out, shots were fired, and the suspects fled, leaving the victim to be hospitalized with injuries not threatening his life.
This incident, which police have labeled as isolated, has prompted the APD to increase patrols in the area, though they assure there's no ongoing danger to the public. Detectives are actively seeking information from witnesses or anyone else who may know something about the altercation and subsequent shooting.
APD's Aggravated Assault Unit is urging anyone with information to come forward. You can contact them at 512-974-5245 or, if you wish to remain anonymous and potentially receive a cash reward for tips that lead to an arrest, the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program is an option. They're reachable at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477, the department stated.
