South Austin Gunfight Leaves Man Dead

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX — Police on Friday identified a man who died in what amounted to a shootout in South Austin the previous night.

On Thursday at about 11:30 p.m., police responded to a "shots fired" call along the 6600 block of Marble Creek Loop. Several residents reported the gun play among several men that night, police said. Callers also reported seeing one of the men involved being dragged to a waiting vehicle before the car sped off.

When police arrived, they found fresh blood at the scene and multiple caliber shell casings on the ground. Other officers responding to the scene saw three juveniles walking two blocks from the shooting, police said. One of the youths, a 16-year-old, was seen tossing a shirt and large-caliber handgun off to the side of the road. When confronted by police, one of the other juveniles said he had been shot at first.

By 11:51 p.m., police were alerted that an adult male had been brought into the South Austin Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound. The man was later identified as Quintin Vargas, 19, ho was later pronounced dead at 12:21 a.m. Friday morning.

According to a preliminary investigation, police believe Vargas and others drove toe the residence where the 16-year-old lives to rob the youth of guns and narcotics. A firefight ensued, during which time Vargas was hit by gunfire, police said.

Based on information learned so far, there does not appear to be a threat to the general public as this appears to be an isolated incident among the participants in the gunfight, police said. The Travis County Medical Examiner’s was scheduled to perform an autopsy Friday morning, police added.

Homicide detectives continue to investigate. Detectives are asking anyone with any information regarding this incident to call the Homicide Tip Line at 512-477-3588 or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or text "Tip 103" + a message to CRIMES or by using the new Crime Stoppers App. Those with information also can submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

It's unclear if anyone is in custody or if any charges have been filed.

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