Cops are urging a gunman to ‘turn himself in’ after two people were killed in a mass shooting at a Texas Juneteenth celebration over the weekend.
The incident happened in well-known Austin suburb Round Rock Saturday night, following a fight between two groups, police said.
A search for the suspect is now underway, after 14 others were reportedly injured, including two children. Ages ranged from 10 to 62 years old, local officers revealed.
During a media briefing around 6 pm Sunday, Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks described the gunman as being between 19 and 20 years of age, and a black male.
He was last seen sporting short dreads while donning a white hoodie at Old Settlers Park, where the shooting unfolded at 10:50pm during the celebration. Banks Sunday urged the perp to turn himself in, saying his force was on the cusp of closing in.
The incident happened in well-known Austin suburb Round Rock Saturday night, following a fight between two groups, cops have said. Officers from the local police department are seen surveying the crime scene at Old Settlers Park shortly thereafter
During a media briefing around 6 pm Sunday, Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks described the gunman as being between 19 and 20 years of age, and a black male. He urged the suspect – who is considered ‘armed and dangerous’ – to turn himself in
‘Our ultimate goal is to find who did this and make sure the families get justice.
‘This is a senseless, cowardly act, that does not belong in Round Rock.
‘Our detectives have worked tirelessly throughout the night to try to find these subjects, interview after interview after interview.
‘Turn yourself in,’ Banks went on to state to the still-at large suspect, visibly irate.
‘If you’re man enough to carry a gun and pull the trigger, be man enough to step up. Turn yourself in.
‘Let’s figure out why you chose to take lives and injure people.’
He went on to add how officers are still looking into what led up to the shooting, and the reason why the two ‘groups’ were fighting in the first place.
He further revealed how ‘most” of the 14 injured have been released from area hospitals – and that those remaining are considered to be in ‘stable condition’, and should be released ‘within the next day or so.’
In another part of his statement, he recalled how ‘the park was crowded during the celebration,’ and how there ‘very well could have [been] more casualties.’
It happened at Old Settlers Park around 10:50pm, during a celebration ringing in the holiday
In addition to the two killed, 14 others were reportedly injured, including two children. Ages ranged from 10 to 62 years old, local officers said
‘Our detectives have worked tirelessly throughout the night to try to find these subjects, interview after interview after interview,’ the city’s top cop told onlookers immediately after the incident
He went on to categorize the 16 victims as ‘innocent bystanders’ – adding how he and other members of the community are ‘very disappointed and angry with these events.
‘This is the 16th year of this Juneteenth event, and for someone to destroy the peace and celebration within an instant, it angers me,’ he said at a point.
The top cop went on to describe how he and others believe the incident played out, which began when ‘someone produced a gun and began to fire,’ he said.
That happened after the brief altercation between the two groups, Banks continued – describing how a large crowd was at the event at the time and how ‘multiple victims were hit’.
Photos show how hours earlier, families and others were taking in a musical performance at the picturesque park, which is the city’s largest.
‘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,” Banks said at a presser the night before.
‘Our goal is to put those folks behind bars and our goal is to get them put away for life.’
Photos show how hours earlier, families and others were taking in a musical performance at the picturesque park
‘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,’ Banks said at a presser the night before
Old Settlers Park (seen here) is the City of Round Rock’s largest park, stretching across 645 acres of land. A search for the sole suspect is currently underway
He said the fighting began near the vendor area, and resulted in at least one person – the suspect – pulling a gun.
As of writing, police believe only person is responsible.
Cops are offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to their arrest, as the FBI were seen on the scene as well.
Following the incident, Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan reiterated the city’s commitment to ‘safety, celebration and unity,’ and urged city leaders to share their condolences in their own statement of solidarity.
‘I know Round Rock residents are devastated as they wake up to the terrible news of last night’s tragic events,’ he said.
‘To the families who are mourning the loss of loved ones, please know that our entire community mourns with you.
‘To those who were injured, we are here to support you in your recovery.
‘We are a community that values safety, celebration and unity, and we are committed to ensuring that our community heals through this event together.
‘We will not let this incident define us, nor will we let fear take hold. Instead, we will support each other, offer help where it is needed, and remain united in our resolve to make Round Rock a safe and welcoming place for all.’