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Juvenile shoplifting suspect shot in leg at Holyoke Mall in exchange with officer
The Holyoke Mall was evacuated amid the shooting, which police said occurred after the young suspect produced a weapon.
The Holyoke Mall was evacuated Friday evening after police exchanged fire with a juvenile shoplifting suspect, who was shot in the leg.
At around 4:30 p.m., a security guard working at the mall allegedly saw the suspect shoplifting and alerted nearby officers from the Holyoke Police Department, Chief Brian Keenan said in a release.
Police approached the suspect near the entrance of Round One, a bowling alley and arcade in the mall. According to police, the juvenile produced a gun, and he and an officer each fired one shot. The officer was not hit, while the suspect sustained a nonlife-threatening leg injury, Keenan said. No one else was hit.
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Officers immediately administered first aid, and the suspect was transported to a local hospital. Officials only identified the suspect as a juvenile male and said that he was arrested. His gun was recovered.
After the mall was evacuated Friday, it remained closed for the rest of the evening. It re-opened on Saturday with an “enhanced police presence,” Keenan said.
State Police and Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni’s office are helping Holyoke police conduct an ongoing investigation.
In 2023, an innocent bystander was shot to death during an altercation at a hair and nail spa in the Holyoke Mall. Keenan sought to reassure the public after the most recent shooting.
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“I do want to make it clear, that while this incident can cause fear, the Holyoke Mall is a safe place to shop and visit,” he said in a statement. “We have officers here to deal with incidents like this and ensure that the public is safe. No innocent bystanders were harmed during this incident. If you see anything suspicious while at the mall, or anywhere in our city, please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 as our officers are here to protect our citizens and visitors. I’d also like to thank the Massachusetts State Police, West Springfield Police, Chicopee Police and Springfield Police for their assistance during this incident.”
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