AUSTIN, TX — A tragic shooting at a North Austin Target on Monday afternoon left three people dead and one person injured. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. at the Target located at 8601 Research Boulevard near Ohlen Road.

Police say the suspect, a 32-year-old white male with a prior criminal record and documented mental health issues, opened fire inside the store. Two victims died at the scene, and a third passed away after being transported to a local hospital. A fourth person was injured in an unrelated incident during the chaos.

After the shooting, the suspect allegedly stole a vehicle from one of the victims and fled the scene. He later crashed that vehicle and stole another car from a nearby auto dealership. Law enforcement tracked him to South Austin, where officers deployed a Taser to subdue and arrest him without further gunfire.

Businesses in the area, including a Jiffy Lube, went into lockdown while officers secured the scene. The MoPac frontage roads near the Target were also temporarily closed during the police response.

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis described the day as “very sad for Austin,” while Mayor Kirk Watson condemned the attack as “a cowardly act of gun violence.” Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack.

Incidents like this underscore the importance of maintaining situational awareness, even in everyday environments like retail stores. While concealed carriers may not always be in a position to intervene safely, knowing your surroundings, identifying exits, and quickly recognizing potential threats can greatly improve your chances of survival in an active shooter situation.