CMPD arrests 3 people after shooting injured 2 at Northlake Mall
This story has been updated.
Two people were shot at Northlake Mall in northeast Charlotte Thursday afternoon. In the latest update, authorities said both people who were shot have non-life threatening injuries.
Three suspects have since been arrested, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police on Friday afternoon.
Those in custody are: Xavior Grant Alexander, 19, charged with attempted murder and assault with deadly weapon; Jadah Van Williams, 21, charged with assault; and a 17-year-old — whose name was not released — charged with assault.
The mall was closed for the rest of the day, mall officials announced. It said it planned to reopen Friday morning, with an enhanced police presence.
An on-duty CMPD officer at the mall was able to locate the suspect and de-escalate the situation, CMPD said on Twitter.
Speaking with reporters Thursday, CMPD Maj. Ryan Butler said the suspect had fled from officers and dropped his weapon before surrendering outside the mall.
A verbal argument inside a store, near where the old Dick’s Sporting Goods is, led to a fight between two people, Butler said. He said one of those people — the suspect — pulled out a gun and shot the person he was fighting with. The other person who was shot was a bystander, officials said.
“CMPD is not looking for any additional suspects,” CMPD said. “The mall has requested officers walk through the facility to inform patrons of the incident and make them aware there is no ongoing threat.”
Shooting inside Northlake Mall
John Luongo, a shopper at the mall, said on Facebook he heard three to four gunshots. He posted a video of a CMPD officer in tactical equipment entering the mall with a rifle to secure the scene.
“Ran into the mall to do some Christmas shopping and grab lunch. Instead I hear 3-4 gunshots as I was paying for my food and get caught in this mess,” Luongo wrote.
Butler said he considers the mall a safe place.
He said the multiple 911 callers from the mall shows “people won’t tolerate this type of behavior.”
“People can feel safe” at the mall, Butler added.
This story was originally published December 15, 2022 at 3:41 PM.
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