News Summary
Authorities in Greenville are investigating a shooting incident linked to a juvenile altercation at Haywood Mall. Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite the chaos that ensued. Eyewitnesses described the mall scene as panic-filled, with many seeking safety in stores. This marks the third violent incident at the mall within a month, raising concerns about public safety. Police have made several arrests and recovered a firearm related to the incident, as the investigation continues.
Greenville, SC – Greenville Police are currently investigating a shooting incident that took place Wednesday afternoon at Haywood Mall, linked to a juvenile altercation. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries resulting from the gunfire, which occurred in the busy shopping center during daylight hours.
The altercation began when a group of juveniles allegedly assaulted a mall employee at a restaurant within the premises. The confrontation escalated into the mall’s parking lot, where gunfire was ultimately exchanged. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene, as individuals fled for safety amidst the sound of gunshots.
The shooting coincided with a period when many young individuals were enjoying their summer break, raising concerns over safety in public spaces frequented by families and teenagers. Eyewitnesses captured video footage of the incident, although the faces and voices of those involved were blurred for privacy. Some witnesses recalled the atmosphere of fear and urgency, as bystanders sought to protect themselves from the violence.
Aiden Tollison, a teenager present during the shooting, reported a person dropping their firearm before picking it up and opening fire towards bystanders. Another witness described the moment as distressing, recalling that they heard multiple shots while outside the mall. In the moments that followed, many patrons, including Aiden and his friends, rushed into nearby stores seeking shelter from the unfolding chaos.
Police quickly intervened and apprehended several individuals involved in the earlier altercation during a traffic stop shortly after the incident occurred. Additionally, law enforcement recovered a firearm believed to be connected to the shooting, furthering the investigation into the events that transpired.
Reaction from mall-goers has revealed a growing unease regarding safety at Haywood Mall. Some patrons expressed a reluctance to return following the incident, with one witness noting feeling particularly unsafe, as it was their first visit without parental supervision. This event marks the third instance of violence at the mall within a month, raising concerns among the community about the security measures in place.
The shooting at Haywood Mall followed a fire earlier on the same day in the old Sears building, which is currently vacant and under renovation. While the two incidents are not believed to be related, the dual occurrences have further amplified concern for the mall as a safe shopping destination.
The mall’s ownership has been contacted for comments regarding this troubling incident and the growing number of violent events occurring on the premises. Currently, the investigation by law enforcement is ongoing, with authorities working to gather more information and ensure the safety of patrons in the Greenville area.
As police conduct their inquiry, the broader community remains on alert, calling for increased safety measures to protect shoppers at the mall and restore a sense of security in a place meant for family entertainment and leisure.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Police shooting assault under investigation at Haywood Mall
- Wikipedia: Shooting
- WYFF4: Fire and shooting hours at Haywood Mall
- Google Search: Haywood Mall shooting
- WSPA: Fight inside Haywood Mall leads to shots fired
- Google Scholar: Haywood Mall shooting
- WYFF4: Greenville County deputies investigating shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shooting
