Park Place Mall Shooting: Police seek video after brawl leads to gunfire near food court
The park place mall shooting in Tucson unfolded after a fight between teen boys escalated into gunfire near the food court and a children’s play area at around 7 p. m., as the mall was packed with shoppers and workers. Police say two young people were wounded, no bystanders were hurt, and investigators are asking the public to share any images or video captured during the incident.
What happened during the Park Place Mall Shooting near the food court?
Police said the incident began as a brawl involving several youths and led to shots being fired in a typically busy part of the mall. The shooting happened near the food court and a play area for children. Two juveniles believed to have been involved in the fight were wounded and taken to a hospital, police said.
Police stated that no bystanders were wounded. They also said off-duty officers working at the mall responded immediately to secure the area and help search the property. The mall was evacuated, and police remained on scene for hours. No arrests have been made.
What are witnesses saying about the park place mall shooting?
One shopper, Brianna Smeltzer-Mannett, said she was at Victoria’s Secret when she heard several gunshots and quickly recognized the sound. She said she hid behind a counter with nearly a dozen women as they tried to stay quiet.
A mall worker who asked not to be identified said they hid in the back of their store for more than 90 minutes. The worker said other employees came into their store after hearing what they described as six to seven shots, and described the experience as nerve-racking because they did not know what was happening.
While the mall reopened the following day, some shoppers said the incident left them feeling uneasy. Damian Corrales said it made him feel unsafe and questioned the security presence he personally had seen at the mall.
What happens next in the investigation?
Police said detectives from the Shooting Investigations Unit are working to identify and locate those responsible, and described the violence as deeply concerning while stating that the incident appears to be isolated. Investigators are seeking information from anyone who was at the mall, including images or video captured on a cellphone.
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact 88-CRIME, the anonymous tip line. They also recognized mall security personnel and employees for swift actions during the evacuation and for directing shoppers to safety.
The Tucson Police Department said they were extremely fortunate that no innocent bystanders were injured.
