Shooting Incident at Barton Creek Mall Under Investigation, 19-year-old Suspect Arrested

On Saturday, December 16, 2023, at around 4:45 p.m., the Austin Police Department (APD) responded to reports of shots fired at Barton Creek Mall in the 2900 block of S. Capital of Texas Hwy Northbound. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The injured individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident stemmed from a private party sale arranged between two groups, each consisting of two males, who met through a social media platform. The victim, belonging to one of the parties, had no prior acquaintance with the other group. Following the meetup, a physical altercation broke out, escalating into the discharge of firearms. The suspects fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

Authorities emphasize that this was an isolated occurrence, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. Nevertheless, in response to the incident, the APD is increasing directed patrols in the area.

Individuals possessing any information related to the incident are urged to contact the APD’s Aggravated Assault unit at 512-974-5245. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.

UPDATE: Austin Police officers arrested 19-year-old Vincent Gutierrez and charged him with two counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He has been booked into the Travis County jail.