Austin police have intensified their efforts to locate the suspect involved in a shooting incident at Lakeline Mall, appealing to the public for assistance after releasing a surveillance video. According to CBS Austin, the shooting took place on Thursday just before 4 p.m. in the mall's food court and seemed to stem from an argument between two groups. The suspect, described as a Hispanic male in his late teens or early twenties, was caught on camera fleeing the scene in a black hoodie and dark-colored pants.
In response to the incident, authorities quickly enclosed the area. "I was, like, pretty scared," Lydia Torres, a granddaughter of a bystander, told CBS Austin. "Because I was like, we're on this road. And, like, I thought there was a big thing." Despite initial reports stating no one was harmed, Austin Police later updated that one individual sustained minor injuries and sought treatment at a hospital after leaving the scene.
While the search persists, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis has made it clear that an incident of this nature will not be taken lightly. "You do an offense like that in Austin and our agg. assault unit, they’re going to be arrested," she stated in an interview with FOX 7 Austin. The mall has since reopened, with visitors and workers trying to return to normalcy. "I was in the food court actually taking lunch, and it was full of people, so I don't think people are too concerned right now," Dylan Fournier said.
Davis has forcefully condemned the offense, assuring that justice will be sought. "You do not fire off a weapon inside a mall with innocent people about. They will be found," she told FOX 7 Austin. Austin police urge anyone with relevant information or media like videos and photos to reach out by scanning a provided QR code, or contacting the Aggravated Assault Unit at 512-974-5245. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477, where up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.
