Authorities in Austin, Texas, have identified the suspect in a deadly shooting at a north Austin Target store as 32-year-old Ethan Blaine Nieneker. Police say Nieneker was arrested earlier today following a violent series of events that left three people dead and the community in shock.
According to the Austin Police Department, the incident began around 2:15 p.m. when a 911 call reported an active shooting in the parking lot of the Target store located at 8601 Research Boulevard. Officers arrived on the scene within four minutes, at approximately 2:19 p.m., where they discovered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. All three victims were later pronounced dead.
Following the shooting, investigators say Nieneker fled the scene, initiating a dangerous chain of events that included the carjacking of two separate vehicles in his attempt to evade capture. Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies pursued him, eventually taking him into custody without further injuries to the public.
Police have described Nieneker as a violent and dangerous habitual offender, with a criminal history that raises serious concerns about repeated violent behavior. Authorities have not yet released a possible motive for the shooting, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Austin Police Chief [Name] stated during a media briefing that the swift response of officers likely prevented further loss of life. “This was a senseless act of violence that has left families devastated and a community reeling,” the chief said. “Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victims, and we will ensure justice is served.”
The names of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of their families. Police are urging anyone with additional information, including witnesses who may have seen the suspect before or after the shooting, to contact the Austin Police Department’s Homicide Unit.
This incident marks another tragedy in a year that has already seen a troubling number of mass shootings across the country. The Austin community is left grappling with grief and outrage, while authorities work to piece together the full timeline of events leading up to the attack.