AUSTIN, Texas — A 17-year-old accused of participating in a shooting spree across Austin in May is now facing a terrorism charge, according to newly filed court documents.
Cristian Fajardo Mondragon was previously charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault and deadly conduct in connection with a crime spree that unfolded over roughly 36 hours on May 16 and May 17.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | New charges filed against teen suspect in Austin shooting spree
According to an affidavit filed by Austin police, investigators linked 12 shootings in Austin and one in Buda to the same firearm through ballistic evidence. The shootings left four people wounded, damaged homes and vehicles, and struck two Austin Fire Department stations.
The affidavit alleges the suspects also stole a handgun from a South Austin gun store and used multiple stolen vehicles during the crime spree, switching vehicles several times as law enforcement searched for them.
Police say the shootings prompted a shelter-in-place order in parts of Austin while officers searched for the suspects. Investigators also allege the attacks temporarily disrupted public safety operations after the two fire stations were damaged by gunfire and taken out of service for a period of time.
According to court documents, investigators used surveillance video, social media evidence, cell phone data, and ballistic testing as part of the investigation.
Mondragon was one of three suspects arrested after a vehicle pursuit in Manor on May 17.
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
In the affidavit, investigators argue the shootings were intended to intimidate or coerce the public and create widespread fear, which they say meets the definition of terrorism under Texas law.