Austin shooting leaves 1 dead; suspect detained: APD

AUSTIN, Texas - A man is dead following a shooting in Austin Thursday morning. 

Deadly shooting in Austin

The backstory:

Police said on Nov. 5, around 11:30 a.m., officers responded to the 3900 block of Guadalupe St. A 911 caller said she heard an argument taking place behind a gas station and a shooting followed shortly after. 

According to APD, the suspect also placed a call to 911 to report what took place.

The victim, described by police as a black male in his 60s, was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Police say the victim was known to law enforcement prior to the incident.

"We've just had several calls on the individual," said Cpl. Jose Mendez, with the Austin Police Department. "He's known to APD, we've had several interactions with this individual."

Police noted that the victim and the suspect did not appear to know each other. The suspect, described as a Hispanic male in his 20s, was detained at the scene and is fully cooperating with the investigation.

Detectives and evidence technicians remained on scene Thursday processing the alleyway and gathering footage.

"We have PD officers [and] our crime scene specialist canvassing the area looking for surveillance, looking for witnesses," Mendez said. "And again, just trying to piece together what took place here this morning."

Authorities believe the shooting was an isolated incident and emphasize that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Local perspective:

Jae Wheeler was working his shift across the street at Midas when the shooting occurred.

"We just heard two shots come and echo through the back over there," Wheeler said. "And then next thing you know, you just see all the police coming up, sirens, taping off, you can only assume what happened."

While Wheeler noted that police activity isn't unusual along the busy corridor, violence of this scale is unexpected for the area.

"There was a cop [here] yesterday with homeless people tripping on the bus right here," Wheeler said. "It's every day, honestly. Nothing like this, though. Nothing. No homicides. Just like a lot of police interactions coming around."

For community members and local workers like Wheeler, who frequently use the neighborhood gas station, the event serves as a stark reminder to stay vigilant.

"I'm going to go to the gas station if it's open, [and] be way more aware of the surroundings," Wheeler said.

AustinCrime and Public Safety