The Austin Police Department (APD) is actively investigating a tragic incident that unfolded on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at the Teapioca Lounge situated in the Arboretum, within the 10000 block of Research Boulevard.
The incident began at approximately 5:00 p.m. when Austin's 9-1-1 emergency services received a call reporting gunfire in the 10000 block of Research Boulevard. The caller reported hearing multiple gunshots from inside Teapioca. At 5:01 p.m., the first units were dispatched to the scene. Subsequent 9-1-1 calls indicated the presence of an active shooter.
First responders arrived at the scene around 5:07 p.m. At 5:09 p.m., APD officers discovered three individuals with gunshot wounds inside the business. The victims were identified as 38-year-old Tang-Kang Dave Chiang, 64-year-old Laura Jauregui, and another unidentified woman. Due to limited information about a potentially armed suspect, and concerns of an active shooter situation, a Counter Assault Strike Team (CAST) deployment was initiated.
At 5:11 p.m., a coordinated response was launched, involving the Austin Police Department, Austin-Travis County EMS, and the Austin Fire Department, to provide medical care to the potential victims. Laura Jauregui succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The second unidentified victim was transported to a local hospital with severe injuries. Tang-Kang Dave Chiang was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Specialists were dispatched to process the scene. Upon investigation, it was determined that Tang-Kang Dave Chiang shot both women, who were unknown to him, resulting in the death of Laura Jauregui, before taking his own life with a firearm.
Although there had been reports of an explosion in the initial reports, no explosive devices were located. The elevated response from multiple jurisdictions was due to the information that we were provided during the initial 9-1-1 calls.
The motive is still under investigation at this time.
"We would like to thank all our public safety partners for their rapid response in deploying units to assist with managing the scene until we could establish the magnitude of the incident and bring it under control: Texas DPS, AISD PD, Travis County Constables Office, FBI, and ATF.", said the Austin Police Department in a posted statement.
Anyone with any information about the suspect should contact APD's Homicide Unit at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.
This case is being investigated as Austin's 42nd homicide of 2023.
