Here’s a concise, rephrased version of that story while keeping all the key facts intact:
Austin Police Identify Suspect in Deadly Target Shooting as 33-Year-Old Ethan Nieneke
The Austin Police Department has named 33-year-old Ethan Nieneke as the suspect in Monday’s deadly shooting at a North Austin Target store — an attack that claimed three lives and triggered a large-scale law enforcement response. Authorities say Nieneke has a prior criminal record and a documented history of mental illness.
Police received the first 911 calls around **2:15 p.m.**, reporting gunfire at the Target on **8601 Research Boulevard**. Officers arrived within four minutes to find three victims shot in the parking lot. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, and a third died later at a hospital.
“This is a very sad day for Austin,” said Police Chief Lisa Davis, offering condolences to the victims’ families.
Investigators say Nieneke fled immediately after the shooting, allegedly hijacking a vehicle from the parking lot — one of the victims is believed to have been its driver. The car was later found crashed about 1.5 miles away at an apartment complex near **MoPac and Anderson Lane**. Police say Nieneke then stole another vehicle from a nearby Volkswagen dealership before heading south.
The manhunt ended at 3:34 p.m. when officers located Nieneke on **La Casa Drive**, tasing him and taking him into custody without further gunfire. The motive remains unknown.
In a statement, Target expressed grief for the victims, support for employees, and gratitude to first responders. The store will remain closed while investigators process the scene, and counseling resources are being offered to staff.
Multiple agencies, including the Austin Fire Department, Austin ISD Police, and EMS, assisted in the response. APD urges anyone with information to contact its Homicide Unit.
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If you want, I can also create a **shorter, punchier breaking-news version** for social media that hits just the emotional and key factual points. That would make it more urgent and shareable.