Austin Police Tactical Team Arrest Shooting Suspect
Austin, MN (KROC-AM News) - Austin police activated the Austin/Mower County law enforcement tactical team early Sunday following a shooting.
A news release says Austin police responded shortly after 3 AM to the 900 block of 3rd Avenue Southwest to find numerous vehicles leaving the area as the officers arrived at the scene. They also found a number of spent shell casings and a witness reported that at least six shots had been fired outside a nearby home. Another witness returned to the scene in the vehicle that had several bullet holes in it.
The gunfire occurred near a specific residence, where officers found the homeowner was uncooperative. That prompted Austin police to establish a perimeter around it while investigators waited for a search warrant. While waiting for the authorization, a juvenile ran out of the residence and was caught hiding behind a vehicle about a block away. A handgun was later found near that location.
The tactical team eventually entered the home and found 15 to 20 people inside. A man suspected of being involved in the shooting, identified as 24-year-old Eric Starnes, was taken into custody. Officials say the case remains under investigation.