The suspect was arrested in connection with a shooting at a mall in South Carolina on Saturday, in which 14 people were injured.
A shooting broke out on Saturday afternoon at the Columbiana Center in Colombia. Of the 14 injured, nine were shot, while five were injured in panic and chaos as shoppers tried to flee the scene.
Colombian police chief William Holbrooke said authorities believed the shooting was “not an accidental act of violence” but rather caused by “some kind of conflict” between a group of gunmen who know each other.
The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Jewaine M. Price, has been detained at the Lexington County Detention Center. He is accused of illegally carrying a gun, and more charges are possible.
It is unclear whether Mr. Price has a lawyer. The Independent contacted prison officials for comment.
Police say they are still looking for two other suspects who were spotted with a weapon during the shooting.
“After talking to witnesses and reviewing surveillance videos, CPD investigators believe at least three suspects showed firearms at the mall,” a statement from the Colombian Police Department said on Saturday.
“The CPD is working to determine how many suspects have fired firearms, injuring many people.
The Columbiana Center issued a statement saying that “the isolated, senseless act of violence is extremely disturbing and our thoughts are affected by all. We are grateful for the prompt response and continued support of our security team and our law enforcement partners. ”
Local media reported that increased police presence and emergency personnel remained at the mall until Saturday night. The mall is located about 10 miles north of downtown Colombia.
Mr Price was one of three people initially detained by police after the shooting. The other two have been released.
The victims ranged in age from 73 to 15, police said, but no one was killed. The 73-year-old victim is the only person who continues to receive medical care. All other victims have been treated and released or will be released soon, a press release said.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene in the mall.
“Everyone was trying to get out,” Daniel Johnson, an Alabama buyer, told the Associated Press. “When I went out, you could see inverted prams, people’s phones and left keys. It was kind of a hasty situation. “
Police said investigators seized “one firearm related to the incident” and that “preliminary examination of ballistic evidence gathered at the scene shows that at least two different firearms were used by two suspects.”
Local leaders condemned the violence.
“These tragedies are getting closer and closer to home,” Jaime Harrison, chairman of the Democratic National Committee and former chairman of the Democratic Party of South Carolina, wrote on Twitter on Saturday night.
“I’m sure some families in Colombia have just shopped for Easter weekend and now their lives have changed forever. The nation must find the courage, strength and leadership to stop #GunViolence. “
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