Two Texas communities rocked by string of attacks, 6 dead

Two Texas communities were hit by a wave of violence, leaving six people dead and three others injured. 

The first incident involved an officer from the Austin Independent School District police force who was shot in his leg around 10:43am local time, according to Interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson. The officer is expected to recover soon.

The succeeding violence includes a double homicide and an attack on a male cyclist.

The chaos reached its peak when the suspect engaged in a shootout with an officer responding to a burglary call. The officer was found in the backyard of a residence. Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, the officer is now in stable condition.

The suspect, identified as Shane James Jr., a former army officer, had a prior arrest for assault charges involving a family member in January 2022.

Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar mentioned a potential connection between the suspect and two additional deaths near San Antonio. The victims, found in their 50s, were discovered at a residence linked to the suspect, raising questions about their relationship.

Governor Greg Abbott expressed condolences for the victims and vowed to provide all necessary resources to ensure the perpetrator faces the full extent of the law. 

As investigations continue, authorities work to unravel the connections and motives behind this tragic sequence of events.