The Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services reported that at least three people have died in an active shooting situation in Austin around the 9600 block of Great Hills Trail area. Recent reports suggest that the police are actively looking for the suspect, who has been identified as 41-year-old Stephen Nicholas Broderick. 

According to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, Broderick previously worked as a detective in the office and resigned from his position in 2020 after being arrested and charged for the alleged sexual assault of a child. He was released from custody on the basis of a bond, reported CNN.

Although the identity of the victims has not been revealed, Austin Police Interim Chief Joseph Chacon said that one man and two women were found dead. Moreover, a child was involved in the situation but has been found in a safe condition, according to CNN.

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According to reports from Associated Press, the situation in Austin seems to be escalating as the police have responded with the deployment of drones, dozens of police vehicles two helicopters in the area. Moreover, SWAT trucks and ambulances have been spotted at the scene. 

A nearby highway would be partially shut down in both directions as authorities respond to the developing situation, according to the police.

The Austin Police Department wrote in a tweet, “While a suspect is still at large it appears this is a domestic situation that is isolated and there is no risk to the general public”, while still urging people to remain in shelter. 

A witness, quoted by Associated Press, said that the police came from all directions while wielding pistols and rifles being equipped with bulletproof vests. 

Tweets from law enforcement authorities said that officials from the Austin Fire Department, Austin Police and the Emergency Medical Services were responding to the developing situation.

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Austin Travis County EMS reported that no arrests have been made till now and the responders were still looking for the suspects. Moreover, the exact location of police deployment remains unclear, reported Associated Press. 

Captain Christa Stedman, the spokesperson for the EMS, said that in exclusion to the three fatalities, no new reports have come up. 

The first 911 calls came around 11:44 am, reported Associated Press.