*UPDATE APD released the following statement at 2 p.m.*
The Austin Police Department (APD) received initial reports of possible shots heard near 22nd Street and Pearl Street on Sunday, October 31, 2021, at 10:40 p.m. Several callers then told Emergency Communications that fireworks were going off in the area, and UTPD also confirmed there were fireworks in the West Campus area at the time. Due to this information, the call type was changed from Shots Fired to City Ordinance Violation and broadcasted for officers in the area to assist.
Around 11:21 p.m., APD received information regarding actual shots fired and reports of people fleeing the area of 22nd Street and Pearl Street. The first APD officer was assigned to the call at 11:25 p.m., and arrived on scene within six minutes at 11:31 p.m. The total time between the initial shooting report and the officer’s arrival was ten minutes.
Some news outlets have misreported that there was a 50-minute response time. There may have been confusion due to multiple firework calls that happened in the area, prior to the actual shooting incident that occurred. APD PIO has reached out to those news outlets to have a correction issued.
*UPDATED at 8:30 a.m. on 11/1*
UTPD remains in the West Campus area and been throughout the night providing courtesy escorts and visibility in response to the shooting incident at 22nd and Pearl Street.
UTPD became aware that the Austin Police Department was responding to the incident at 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, October 31. One person was shot and received medical attention. We do not believe the victim was UT-affiliated. If the APD issues any updates we will pass those along to you.
As a reminder, the suspect vehicle is described as a silver older model SUV, possibly a Lexus occupied by three Hispanic males and one Hispanic female. The vehicle was last seen traveling eastbound from the intersection.
We do not believe the vehicle or those involved are still in the area. Remain vigilant and call 911 or utilize the LiveSafe at UT Austin app to report suspicious activity. If you have information about the incident, contact APD at 311. The university provides free safe transportation on and off campus. If the options are unavailable, contact UTPD at 512-471-4441, ext. 9 for a courtesy escort.
Please continue to follow verified UT Austin Police social media accounts for updates and accurate information.
Summary:
At 11:45 p.m. on October 31, the Austin Police Department responded to a report of a person shot at 22nd and Pearl Street. The person was transported to an area hospital. Preliminary reports do not indicate the victim is UT-affiliated.
Suspect Description:
A suspect vehicle is described as a silver older model SUV, possibly a Lexus occupied by three Hispanic males and one Hispanic female. The vehicle was last seen traveling eastbound from the intersection.
If You Have Any Information:
- Off campus: The Austin Police Department is actively investigating this incident. Call APD at 311 if you have any information about this crime.
Campus Resources:
Download the LiveSafe at UT Austin app to instantly text or send photos and videos to UTPD dispatch. Utilize the Virtual Walk feature to invite contacts to follow your travels as you walk or ride in a vehicle.
Student Emergency Services supports students who have been or know someone who has been a victim of a crime on or off campus. For those services, please visit the student emergency services page.
The Victims Advocate Network supports UT employees, staff, students, and visitors who have been the victim of a crime. For more information, visit the Victims Advocate Network page.
The Title IX Office supports students, staff, and faculty who have experienced or been impacted by sexual assault, interpersonal violence (including dating and domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, sex discrimination, sexual exploitation and retaliation). For support and resources, please email the office. For more information about services provided by the Title IX Office, please visit Title IX Office page.