Glendale police are at the scene.
4 min read
Three people were shot at an Arizona outdoor mall Wednesday night, the Glendale Police Department confirmed. One suspect is currently in custody.
One victim is in critical condition, the other two have non-life threatening injuries. All are expected to survive.
The incident took place just before 7:25 p.m. local time at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale, just outside Phoenix.
When police arrived at the mall, the scene was no longer active, according to Glendale Police Department Public Information Officer Tiffany Ngalula. Officers said they located the suspect and took him into custody without further incident.
Ngalula said all surrounding businesses are still being asked to shelter in place so that authorities can check for additional victims, suspects or “any other safety issues.”
Police have not released the names of the victims or the suspect.
Authorities said they are aware of reports of disturbing social media videos from the alleged shooter and ask the public to submit them for evidence.
“There are no more reports of any active shooting. One suspect is in custody,” Glendale Police tweeted. “We are shutting down the Westgate area to ensure everyone is safe. Media staging will be at Cabelas parking lot.”
The investigation is active.
State Sen. MartÃn Quezada said he happened to be at the mall and witnessed the attack.
“I just witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate. There are multiple victims,” he wrote on Twitter.
“I saw 2 victims with my own eyes,” Quezada added. “Not sure how many others I saw the shooter. Being told not to say anything else about details ’til I speak to police. I’m ok. Lots of shaken up people.”
Indoor malls in Arizona began to reopen on May 16, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, azcentral.com reported. Outdoor malls reopened days prior.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.