A shopping center in Holyoke, Mass. was evacuated Friday night after a shooting left a juvenile suspect wounded.
According to Police Chief Brian Keenan, both a juvenile and a police officer "exchanged gunfire" in the Holyoke Mall, following what started as a shoplifting investigation.
At a press conference broadcast Holyoke Media Friday night, Keenan said two officers had been working a detail at the mall when, around 4:30 p.m., a security guard informed them of a shoplifting incident they observed.
Police then located the suspect seen by security, described as a "juvenile male" by Holyoke PD.
It was when officers approached him near the entrance to Round1, an arcade and bowling alley, that he allegedly pulled a gun, leading to shots being fired.
“The officer was not struck … the suspect was shot in the leg,” Keenan stated. “Our officer immediately provided first aid, and the suspect was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Holyoke officers recovered a firearm on scene from the suspect.”
“I'm extremely thankful to share that no incident bystanders got injured and there were no fatalities,” Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia said at the press conference. "This was not a random, active shooting situation. I want to assure the public that you are safe when you're visiting the Holyoke Mall.”
As of Saturday morning, police have not said what charges the suspect might be facing.
On social media, the Holyoke Mall announced it would be open for normal business over the weekend after remaining closed Friday night.
