Current:Home > InvestA man is killed and a woman injured in a ‘targeted’ afternoon shooting at a Florida shopping mall-LoTradeCoin
A man is killed and a woman injured in a ‘targeted’ afternoon shooting at a Florida shopping mall
View Date:2024-12-23 21:06:31
OCALA, Fla. (AP) — Authorities in central Florida issued an arrest warrant Sunday for a 39-year-old man accused of fatally shooting another man at a shopping mall two days before Christmas in which police say the victim was “targeted.”
As of Sunday afternoon, the suspect hadn’t been located, and the Ocala Police Department was offering a $5,000 award for any information leading to his arrest. The arrest warrant was for premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder, the police department said on social media.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told reporters Saturday evening that the victim was killed after he was shot multiple times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, located about 80 miles (127 kilometers) northwest of Orlando.
A woman also was shot in the leg. She was treated at a local hospital and expected to recover, Balken said.
The suspect fled the scene and left behind the firearm, Balken said.
Ocala police posted photos overnight of a person of interest that appear to be taken from a mall security camera. The three images show a male with a red cap and dark clothing. Balken previously said the suspect wore a hooded sweatshirt and a mask partially covering his face.
On Sunday, the police department urged a person who took the suspect’s hat from the crime scene to turn it over to investigators or they would be charged with tampering with evidence.
“That hat may contain valuable DNA evidence, and we need it back,” the Ocala Police Department said on social media. “We urge you to do the right thing and come forward immediately. Time is of the essence.”
Police arrived at the mall around 3:40 p.m. Saturday after a call of multiple shots being fired at the mall.
“Officers immediately made entry into the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter,” Balken told reporters.
The attack was likely a “targeted act of violence” against the man, Balken said.
Several other mall patrons suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said.
Police have asked the public for assistance by submitting mobile phone video of the shooting scene.
The mall’s corporate owner, WPG, said in a statement that they were working with the Ocala Police Department in the investigation of what happened. The mall was closed Sunday, the day before Christmas.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those involved,” the statement said. “The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority.”
The mall has dozens of stores, including J.C. Penney and Foot Locker.
Calvin and Diana Amos, who were shopping in the J.C. Penney store, told the Ocala Star-Banner that they evacuated the store quickly once they figured out what was going on. They described themselves as scared and apprehensive.
veryGood! (95)
Related
- Trading wands for whisks, new Harry Potter cooking show brings mess and magic
- Jonathan Majors’ ex describes ‘substantial’ pain caused by actor as defense questions her drinking
- Dutch plans to tackle climate change are in doubt after the election victory of a far-right party
- Volkswagen-commissioned audit finds no signs of forced labor at plant in China’s Xinjiang region
- Deion Sanders addresses trash thrown at team during Colorado's big win at Texas Tech
- France will carry out 10,000 checks at restaurants, hotels before Paris Games to avoid price hikes
- Major foundation commits $500 million to diversify national monuments across US
- Watch 'mastermind' deer lead police on chase through Sam's Club in Southern California
- Taylor Swift Politely Corrects Security’s Etiquette at Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Game
- New Mexico Looks to Address Increasing Aridity With Brackish and Produced Water. Experts Are ‘Skeptical’
Ranking
- Driver dies after crashing on hurricane-damaged highway in North Carolina
- Trainers at New Jersey police seminar disparaged women, made ‘inappropriate’ remarks, officials say
- 2-year-old Arizona boy dies from ingesting fentanyl; father charged in case
- Taylor Swift Calls Out Kim Kardashian Over Infamous Kanye West Call
- Why Officials Believe a Missing Kayaker Faked His Own Death and Ran Off to Europe
- Texas authorities identify suspect in deadly shooting rampage that killed 6 people
- Bills GM says edge rusher Von Miller to practice and play while facing domestic violence charge
- A Year in Power: Malaysian premier Anwar searches for support as frustration rises over slow reform
Recommendation
-
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chancellor to step down at end of academic year
-
Boy killed after being mauled by 2 dogs in Portland
-
Norman Lear, legendary TV producer of 'All in the Family,' 'The Jeffersons,' dies at 101
-
Turn Meals Into Precious Holiday Memories With Giuliana Rancic’s Hosting Must-Haves
-
She was found dead while hitchhiking in 1974. An arrest has finally been made.
-
College Board revises AP Black history class set to launch in 2024
-
Coast Guard rescues 5 people trapped in home by flooding in Washington: Watch
-
Tim Allen Accused of F--king Rude Behavior by Santa Clauses Costar Casey Wilson