A tragic shooting at a Target store in North Austin on August 11, 2025, has left three people dead and a community in shock. The Austin Police Department (APD) responded to the scene at the Target located at 8601 Research Boulevard, near Ohlen Road, following reports of a shooting at approximately 2:15 p.m..
Upon arrival, officers discovered three victims who had been shot. Despite the efforts of Austin-Travis County EMS, all three individuals succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to APD Chief Lisa Davis, the suspect fled the area in a stolen vehicle. The suspect then crashed the stolen vehicle and proceeded to hijack a second car before being apprehended by police in South Austin. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect has been identified as a 32-year-old white male with a history of mental health issues. APD noted that the suspect also has a prior criminal record, though details of those offenses have not yet been released. As of now, the suspect's name has not been disclosed.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. It remains unclear whether the suspect knew the victims, and their identities are being withheld pending notification of their families.
The Target store is situated in a busy shopping area in North Austin, surrounded by various retail stores and restaurants. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots and observing people fleeing the store as law enforcement arrived.
The APD is urging anyone who witnessed the shooting or saw the suspect during the escape to contact 911 or submit tips through Crime Stoppers. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are piecing together the events that led to this senseless act of violence.