Austin Police investigating report of possible gunshots near an elementary school in northwest Austin

Austin Police are investigating after a report of possible gunshots near an elementary school in northwest Austin Thursday afternoon.

Chief of Police Dave McKichan stated that the department took a report of possible gunshots in the 600 block of 9th St. NW at 12:59 p.m. Thursday afternoon.  McKichan stated that the location where the report originated from is near an elementary school, but not within line-of-sight.  Responding officers did not locate any damage, victims, or shell casings, and Chief McKichan went on to state that while officers have spoken to witnesses who heard something, they have not been able to locate anyone who might have seen something that would help law enforcement better understand what may have occurred.  McKichan indicated that officers did make contact with officials at the elementary school, which then went into a short term lockdown.  Officers could not locate anything or anyone in the area that presented an ongoing risk to the community, and they communicated that to school staff.

Chief McKichan stated that if anyone did witness anything or locate any damage to their property, they are encouraged to call the Austin Police Department at (507) 437-9400.