Austin police have identified 32-year-old Ethan Nieneker as the shooter.

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police have identified the man accused of shooting and killing three people in a Target parking lot at 8601 Research Blvd., near Ohlen Road, in North Austin on Monday.

Ethan Nieneker, 32, was arrested Monday in South Austin, in the 2400 block of La Casa Drive, according to the Austin Police Department (APD). APD Chief Lisa Davis said the Nieneker has a history of mental health issues.

APD has not released any information about what led to the shooting. APD will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. Tuesday with more information. 

KVUE will stream the 2 p.m. press conference on KVUE.com, the KVUE mobile app and KVUE+.


What happened at the Target near Ohlen?

Davis said a call came in around 2:15 p.m. Monday of a shooting at the Target, and officers arrived on the scene shortly after.

Davis said the suspect, now identified as Nieneker, drove away from the Target in a stolen car, then wrecked that car and stole another. He was later taken into custody in South Austin after a Taser was used.

Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said two of the victims died in the parking lot and the third died at a hospital. A fourth person was treated on the scene for unrelated injuries. 

Due to the active crime scene, shoppers were unable to take their cars from the Target parking lot Monday afternoon. Police later announced vehicles left in the parking lot could be picked up starting at 10 p.m. 

Target issued a statement after the shooting on Monday, saying:

“We are devastated by the violence that occurred today at our store in Austin, Texas. Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, our team in Austin and all those impacted by this tragedy. We are working with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation and are grateful to the first responders who acted quickly at the scene. In the days ahead, we will continue partnering with law enforcement and will be providing support resources, including grief counseling, to our team.”