Three Teens Arrested After Austin Shooting Spree Involving Dozen Incidents

Austin Police Department officials have arrested three teenage suspects in connection with a violent 24-hour crime spree across South and East Austin that included at least 12 separate shootings, multiple vehicle thefts, and robberies.

The suspects are identified as 17-year-old Cristian Mondragon-Fajardo, along with a 16-year-old and a 15-year-old. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis stated that the incidents occurred between May 16 and 17, with shootings striking apartment buildings, homes, businesses, and two Austin Fire Department stations. At least four people were struck by gunfire, one of whom suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a trauma center.

Investigators believe the suspects stole at least five vehicles during the spree and switched vehicles multiple times. Authorities noted that Mondragon-Fajardo had an active warrant related to the theft of a firearm from Central Texas Gun Works, the same store where the 15-year-old allegedly stole another gun on Saturday.

A resident of Manor, about 12 miles northeast of Austin, played a key role in the arrests. Justin Nulan said he returned home and encountered a large-scale manhunt. While checking his property amid sirens and his dog barking, he discovered two of the suspects hiding in his barn after forcing open a stuck side door.

“They just looked at me like, ‘What do we do?’” Nulan recalled. He attempted to close the door and alert authorities while retrieving his gun from his truck. The suspects fled, and Nulan chased one, cornering him at a fence line and holding him at gunpoint until state troopers and SWAT arrived. All three suspects were detained following a multi-hour search.

Michael Cargill, owner of Central Texas Gun Works, described prior encounters with the suspects. In January, Mondragon-Fajardo and another individual attempted to steal a firearm. Cargill and his employees pursued them; he stopped a CapMetro bus on which the suspect had boarded, locked the doors, and held the situation until Austin Police Department officers arrived. The 17-year-old was arrested but later released to his parents or guardian. Cargill said he was not notified of the release or a subsequent warrant.

Cargill added that the suspects had visited the store multiple times attempting thefts. On Saturday around 11:33 a.m., another teenager stole a second firearm and fled in a vehicle. Despite detailed descriptions, license plate information, and vehicle identifiers provided by the store—including hail damage and a UT baseball cap—law enforcement did not apprehend the suspect immediately, according to Cargill.

The gun store owner criticized the handling of the earlier case, stating he had provided clear video, descriptions, and information to authorities and the Travis County DA’s office. “There should be no reason why they should not have been prosecuted,” Cargill said. He emphasized the need for prosecution to prevent escalation.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott described the suspects as “serial criminals with a callous disregard for life,” adding that authorities must ensure they remain behind bars to prevent future harm.

The Austin Police Department, supported by the Texas Department of Public Safety, continues to investigate the full scope of the crimes.