Monroevillie Mall Shooting - Police in Pittsburgh have arrested a 17-year-old who opened fire in a shopping mall, wounding three people, who remain in hospital.
According to reports, the incident happened on Saturday around 7:30 p.m. at the Monroeville Mall's Macy's men department.
Police reports indicate that the suspect Tarod Thornhill of Penn Hills, approached his target and exchanged a few words with him before opening fire. Stray bullets reportedly hit a couple standing by and spread chaos in the mall.
After the shooting, Thornhill escaped, however using surveillance footage and matching Instagram photos authorities were able to identify him. He was arrested at 3:15 a.m. Sunday and is being held at the Allegheny County Jail.
Thornhill is to be charged as an adult. He faces charges of aggravated assault, attempted homicide and recklessly endangering other people. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 18.
"This was not random," Police Chief Douglas said of the Monroevillie mall shooting. "We have evidence that leads to that."
20-year-old Davon Jones, the target of the shooting is currently, in critical condition at the Forbes Hospital, along with 53-year-old bystander Thomas Singleton, who was shot with his wife. 47-year-old Mary Singleton remains in hospital, but in fair condition. The couple, who were in the mall with their son, were reportedly walking past Thornhill when he opened fire indiscriminately.
"One of the victims had a tourniquet applied by the first people who responded and that was the police," said Dr. Chris Kaufman. "I think that saved the life of one of these three victims."
Although it's not clear how many bullets were fired, reports indicate that Mr. Jones sustained gunshot wounds to the pelvic area and buttocks, while Mr. Singleton was shot in the back leg and suffered injured to his femoral artery. Ms. Singleton sustained a shoulder wound.
The Monroeville Mall has experienced violence in the past, just last December, hundreds of teens had a brawl inside the mall, which led to the facility being shut down momentarily.
Reports indicate that shortly after the shooting, administrators of the mall announced a new policy requiring all visitors under 18 to be accompanied by an adult or parent at all times when at the mall on weekend after 6 p.m.
"The conduct of unsupervised youth and young adults at Monroeville Mall has created an uncomfortable atmosphere for mall visitors and an increasing safety challenge," the announcement read.
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