Christiana Mall shooting: What we know about the gunfire that left 5 injured Saturday
Christiana Mall turned into a sea of first responders Saturday night when gunfire broke out at the shopping center known for drawing visitors throughout the region.
Delaware State Police continued to release information throughout the evening Saturday as people left the mall or tried to reach family members and friends who were locked down inside.
Here’s what we know about what happened − and what still needs to be answered.
Delaware police are searching for at least one gunman after a shooting at a Christiana mall left three people shot, and five others injured late Saturday.
Delaware State Police say they do not believe the shooting was a random act. Investigators say an altercation began at the mall’s food court between multiple suspects and at least one of the victims.
The incident left three people shot and five others injured by other means. Police have yet to confirm how many suspects they are searching for, though they say there is no threat to the public at this time.
Jim Harmon, one of the gunshot victims, said he was waiting for his food to be ready when the gunfire began.
“We heard like seven or eight shots, ‘Bam! Bam! Bam!'” Harmon told Action News. “Everybody started running.”
Harmon’s injury is not life-threatening, he said.
“I felt something graze off my shoulder,” he told the outlet “It’s not bad, but it’s ok.”
As of Saturday night, police said no suspects were in custody, but noted that investigators were working to identify them. Police said people were taken into custody Saturday but said their involvement was not known and that they were going to be interviewed.
Police searched and cleared the mall Saturday night and added that there was no threat to the public.
Dozens of police vehicles and first responders packed the mall parking lot, lining up with lights flashing along the portion of the mall perimeter between Nordstrom and Target. The surge in first responders left Mall Road gridlocked and eventually closed to traffic.
Additionally, police closed the exit ramps to the mall to limit the number of people coming into the area.
Police have encouraged any residents who may have information about the shooting to come forward.