Man arrested for firing a handgun at several people in Capital Plaza

Austin, Texas – On Thursday, a man was arrested on charges of firing a handgun at several people at the Capital Plaza mall in North Austin.

Hunter Rose, 30, is now charged with aggravated first-degree robbery with a deadly weapon and aggravated second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.

The Austin Police Department says that around 3:30 p.m. Feb. 23, officers answered a call at Capital Plaza, which was originally registered as an active shooter. Several people called 911 claiming the man fired a gun in the parking lot.

Arriving officers found Rose in the parking lot and arrested him. During his arrest, officers found a .40 caliber handgun, APD reports. No one was hurt during this incident.

During the investigation, the woman told detectives that she was in the Walgreens parking lot next to her car when Rose allegedly approached her, pointed a gun and demanded her car keys. Out of fear, she obeyed and ran away.

Another witness stated that he drove through the parking lot of a McDonald’s next to a Walgreens and saw Rose walking with a semi-automatic pistol. According to APD, the victim said Rose was nervous and tried to hide the gun in his belt. Suddenly, Rose pointed his gun and fired several shots in his direction. The man drove away, but the bullets hit his car.

As Rose ran to the mattress firm north of McDonald’s, witnesses reported seeing him approach the third victim in a black SUV in the parking lot. Rose allegedly pointed his gun at everyone inside the black SUV and started shooting. Those who were inside were able to leave.

APD reports that officers found several shell casings in the parking lots of businesses. Detectives have discovered that Rose has a criminal record.

The identity of the third victim of the black SUV has not been established, the detectives are asking for help from the public.

Anyone with additional information, images or videos of these incidents is asked to contact the APD Heist Department at 512-974-5092. You can submit your feedback anonymously to the Capital Crime Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477.