Manhunt underway for former deputy wanted in fatal shooting of 3 in Austin, Texas
AUSTIN, Texas — A manhunt was underway Sunday for a former sheriff’s deputy wanted in the fatal shooting of three people in Austin, Texas, as an official said it wasn’t known whether the suspect was still in the city.
Interim Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon said those who live near where the shooting happened late Sunday morning no longer had to shelter in place, but he said they should “remain vigilant.†He said officials were transitioning the search for Stephen Broderick, 41, from that area to a “fugitive search.â€
“The victims were all known to this suspect,†Chacon said. “At this point, we do not think this individual is out there targeting random people to shoot. That does not mean he is not dangerous.“
Earlier in the day, nearby residents had been asked to shelter in place and to call their neighbors to check on them. Chacon had said that officials were concerned that Broderick “might possibly take a hostage and be himself sheltered somewhere waiting for us to leave.â€
Chacon described Broderick as a 5-foot-7-inch Black man who was wearing a gray hoodie, sunglasses and a baseball cap. Chacon said police do not know if he’s in a vehicle or on foot.
He said Broderick was a former deputy with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, which is based in Austin.
Travis County Dist. Atty. Jose Garza said in a statement that Broderick had been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a child in June and was released on $50,000 bond. He said the district attorney’s office filed a motion Sunday to revoke that bond and is actively supporting law enforcement in Broderick‘s pursuit.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Kristen Dark tells the Austin American-Statesman that Broderick, a property crimes detective, resigned after the arrest.
The newspaper also reports that Broderick’s wife filed for a protective order and divorce shortly after his arrest.
Chacon said Broderick is suspected in the killing of two women, both Latina, and one Black man. He said Broderick knew the victims but didn’t elaborate on how or provide a motive for the shootings. Chacon also said a child was involved but that the child has been located and is safe.
Brenda Torres said she was driving by when she saw a little boy flag down a car and a Black man lying facedown on the ground.
“I saw the little boy point down the street,†Torres said. “There was someone lying on the ground. I thought someone had just fallen down or something. As my light turns green and I’m driving, I see cop car after cop car after cop car rushing toward where I just was.â€
At least eight people were killed in a workplace mass shooting in Indianapolis. This is not surprising news in a country awash in firearms.
Chacon said the three were not shot in a building but did not give further details.
Images from the scene showed a large presence of emergency responders, including dozens of police cars. There were also several ambulances, two SWAT trucks and two police helicopters.
The area includes a strip mall containing several retail stores and large apartment complexes near wooded rolling hills.
Josh Katzowitz, who had been shopping at Trader Joe’s, said police and ambulances came “pouring in†to the area as he was leaving. He didn’t hear any shooting.
“The cops had their guns out,†he said. “Some had pistols, some had rifles and they were strapping on bulletproof vests. There were all of a sudden ambulances, sirens and police cars. There were cops coming from everywhere.â€
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