U.S. Shootings
13-year-old girl dies after shooting inside Alderwood Mall
A 16-year-old boy from Edmonds has been booked into jail for murder, police said.
LYNNWOOD, Wash. — A tragic shooting incident unfolded at Alderwood Mall on Wednesday evening, resulting in the death of a teenage girl. The Lynnwood Police Department reported that the shooting occurred around 6:04 p.m. near the mall's food court, where an altercation between two groups of teenagers escalated into violence.
According to Deputy Chief Patrick Fagan of the Lynnwood police, the teenage girl was not involved in the altercation. "She was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire," Fagan stated. The girl was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, but her condition was not disclosed at the time of the incident. Later reports confirmed that she succumbed to her injuries.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the sound of gunfire echoed through the mall. James Jacobo, a retail employee at Alderwood Mall, recounted his experience during the shooting. "Me and my other coworkers were in the front of our store when we heard a loud boom, and then we saw two males that pulled out a weapon, and they fired at another individual," Jacobo said. "After that happened, there was a lot of running from customers at stores."
Jacobo expressed his shock and fear, noting that such an incident was unprecedented at the mall. "Scared, I was very scared," he added. "I never would've thought this could happen at our Alderwood mall. It was very scary, everyone was running and in a state of panic."
The mall was placed under a brief lockdown as police secured the area and began their investigation. The lockdown has since been lifted, but the search for the suspect continues. The police have identified a male suspect dressed in a white sweatshirt who is believed to be armed. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to contact the Lynnwood Police Department or call 911.
The incident has left the community in shock and mourning. Alderwood Mall, a popular shopping destination in Lynnwood, is typically a bustling hub of activity, especially during the summer months. The shooting has raised concerns about safety and the prevalence of gun violence in public spaces.
Lynnwood police first posted about the incident on X (formerly known as Twitter) at 7:17 p.m., asking witnesses who had left the area to come forward with any information. The appeal for information is crucial as investigators piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
This tragic event marks another instance of gun violence affecting innocent lives. The community is grappling with the loss of a young life and the fear that such violence could erupt in a place meant for leisure and shopping. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on finding the perpetrator and ensuring justice for the victim.
In the aftermath of the shooting, there has been an outpouring of support for the victim's family. Community members are calling for increased security measures at the mall and other public places to prevent such incidents in the future. The Lynnwood Police Department has assured the public that they are doing everything in their power to apprehend the suspect and prevent further violence.
As the investigation unfolds, updates will be provided by the Lynnwood Police Department. The community remains on edge, hoping for swift justice and measures to enhance public safety. The tragic loss of a young life serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence and ensure the safety of all citizens.