Police Seek Public's Help In Solving North Austin Shooting Case

NORTH AUSTIN, TEXAS — Police on Tuesday issued a plea for help from the public in solving a North Austin shooting case over the weekend that left an adult man injured and an infant in critical condition.

In an afternoon press briefing, Austin Police Chief Brian Manley provided an update on the investigation. He said the full police investigative arsenal is being devoted to solving the case that Manley suggested was one of the most heinous in recent memory given that it involved a child being shot.

The incident occurred just past 11:10 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24, along the 1800 block of Wooten Drive at the Garden Villa apartments. The resident answered a knock on the door only to be met with gunfire that struck his 10-month-old son who was on a sofa inside the apartment, Manley recounted. The man suffered a gunshot wound as he scrambled to protect the child from further harm, the chief added.

Previous story: Man, Infant Injured In North Austin Shooting

In apprising reporters of the case, Manley categorized the incident as "...frankly a shooting that is unlike what we've seen in our community in recent recollection, and that being a shooting that one of our victims is a 10 month old baby. This is frankly unacceptable in the manner in which it was carried out. It's frightening to us."

Manley said the child remains in critical but stable condition at Dell Children's Medical Center, having undergone a second procedure on Tuesday. The adult victim, a man in his 20s, was treated and released after being given medical treatment in the shooting's immediate aftermath.

A man and woman who knocked on the door prior to the shooting are currently being sought as persons of interest. The latter is described as being between 17 and 25 years of age, standing at around five feet, two inches in height and weighing some 120 pounds. She is either white or Hispanic with hair that was possibly dyed blonde. Manley said. At the time of her presence at the location, she wore a turquoise top with pink flowers. There is no description of the man who was accompanying her, Manley said.

Manley stressed the pair are not being categorized as suspects in the shooting, but persons of interest who may be able to provide information useful to the police investigation. Manley asked that anyone who was in the area at the time of the shooting to contact police, regardless of how inconsequential they might believe their tips to be. The number to reach detectives is (512) 472-8477.

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