Suspect Description Released in Texas Juneteenth Celebration Shooting
ICARO Media Group
Police in Round Rock, a suburb of Austin, Texas, have released a detailed description of the suspect involved in a tragic mass shooting at a Juneteenth celebration over the weekend. The incident, which took place on Saturday night, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left 14 others injured.
According to authorities, the suspect is described as a Black male with a thin build, standing approximately 5 feet, 7 inches tall, and sporting short dreadlocks. At the time of the incident, he was seen wearing a white hoodie. Local news outlet FOX 7 Austin reports that the suspect is believed to be between 19 to 20 years old and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Expressing his concern for the affected families, Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks, voiced his disappointment during a press briefing, saying, "It breaks your heart for a family that was coming out to enjoy their evening, and now their life is forever changed as a result of somebody who could care less about somebody else's life." Chief Banks stated that the primary goal of law enforcement is to bring the responsible individuals to justice and ensure they are held accountable for their actions.
Chief Banks revealed that the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between two groups near the vendor area of the Round Rock Juneteenth Festival, which was being held at Old Settler's Park. During the altercation, at least one person pulled out a firearm and opened fire, leading to the tragic outcome.
Immediate assistance was provided by police officers and fire department personnel who were present at the event. They swiftly administered emergency medical care to the wounded before transporting them to nearby hospitals. The ages of the injured individuals reportedly range from 10 to 62 years old. Fortunately, most of the hospitalized victims have been discharged, with those remaining in stable condition expected to be released within the next few days.
To aid in the apprehension of the suspect, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has announced a $5,000 reward for any information leading to his arrest. The Round Rock Police Department's Detective Maio can be reached at 512-341-3135 or via email at rmaio@roundrocktexas.gov for anyone with relevant information.
As the investigation continues, the Round Rock community and authorities are focused on finding justice for the victims and their families. The incident serves as a painful reminder of the need for collective efforts to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of all community members during celebratory events.