Authorities in Texas have apprehended a suspect following a shooting spree that resulted in the deaths of six individuals and left three others injured, including two police officers. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Shane James, is currently being held in the Travis County jail on multiple counts of capital murder and several misdemeanors, as per jail records. Law enforcement officials have not yet disclosed a motive for the killings.

The series of shootings began on Tuesday morning at approximately 10:45 a.m. in the 7200 block of Bachman Drive, where an Austin Independent School district police officer was shot and injured, according to interim Police Chief Joseph Chacon.

Approximately one hour later, authorities received multiple 911 calls reporting a double homicide at 7300 Shady Wood Drive, where a male and a female victim had been killed, said Chacon.

The third shooting occurred just before 5 p.m. on West Slaughter Lane. Police responded to the scene and found a male cyclist who had been shot and was suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

Shortly before 6:45 p.m., another shooting took place when an Austin police officer responded to a report of a burglary in progress in the 5300 block of Austral Loop. The suspect opened fire on the officer, striking them multiple times. Fortunately, the officer was able to return fire and take cover. Their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, and they are currently in stable condition at a nearby hospital, according to Chacon.

Following the exchange of gunfire, the suspect, James, managed to evade capture and fled the scene in a vehicle. However, after a pursuit involving other officers, James crashed the vehicle a few minutes later and was subsequently taken into custody.

During a search of the residence where the burglary was reported, authorities discovered two additional victims deceased. The identities of these victims have not been released.

In a late-night update, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar confirmed that James may have ties to a home in Bexar County. Deputies conducted a search and found two middle-aged victims dead at that location, indicating a potential double homicide that occurred prior to the shooting spree in Austin. The nature of the relationship between James and these victims remains unclear.

Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incidents and are urging any individuals with information to come forward. The city of Austin is left in shock and mourning as the community grapples with the devastating loss caused by this senseless act of violence.

The motive for the shootings and any potential connections between the suspect and the victims still remain unanswered questions, leaving authorities determined to piece together the events leading up to this tragic incident.