1 dead after University Park Mall shooting
MISHAWAKA, Ind. (WNDU) - One man is dead after a shooting inside University Park Mall.
It happened around 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon and is no longer an active shooter situation.
According to the St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Assistant Commander Dave Wells, the deceased victim is a 23-year-old man, identified as Delaney Crosby, who was shot at least once. Investigators said the shooting appears to be an isolated incident between two men began arguing with each other. The suspect reportedly pulled out a handgun and shot the victim.
“This was an act of violence that had no regard for families pushing strollers, kids are the mall on a Saturday afternoon. We are lucky there isn’t more tragic news involved with this...Of course any shooting is a stupid idea, but to do it inside a mall where there are many witnesses and video,” said Assistant Commander with St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Dave wells.
Police searched the mall and its stores and did not find additional victims or suspects.
Police say they are still searching for at least one suspect. No names or descriptions have been released, but police say a social media post was made shortly after the shooting by a person identified as " Rafael Delaghetto" claiming to have been the person who shot Crosby. However, they say this person has been identified and interviewed, but is not the shooter/suspect wanted in this case.
The mall remains closed for the remainder of Saturday as police collect evidence. Crime scene technicians also are viewing security camera footage.
One employee told us that workers and customers hid together in a store after the shooting began.
St. Joseph County Metro Homicide is leading the investigation, and the county coroner has arrived on the scene.
Police are asking people to stay away from the mall.
There are no suspects in custody at this time. Police are asking anyone who may have seen the shooting or has information to call Metro Homicide at 235-5009 or Crime Stoppers at 288- STOP.
We have a crew working to get more information, and we’ll update this story as we learn more.
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