Police responded to a report of a shooting around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, and on Friday morning announced that it is believed this was a targeted attack on the victim who died
One person is dead and two others injured after a shooting at the Vancouver Mall on Thursday night, an incident that occurred when the mall was hosting a trick-or-treat event.
Friday morning, Vancouver Police Department announced via press release that it is believed this was a targeted attack against the person who was killed. The two who were injured were not the intended targets.
According to a press release from the Vancouver Police Department, officers responded to a report of a shooting at the mall around 7:30 p.m.
Witnesses told responders that an individual shot another person near the food court, on the second floor of the mall. The shooter fired off more rounds that struck two other individuals. When police officers arrived, they found one person dead and two others injured. The injured were taken to an area hospital.
VPD officials reported Friday morning that the victim who died at the scene was an adult male. His exact age and identity have not yet been confirmed.
The two injured victims were adult males, 30 and 40 years of age. Both suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were treated and released from a local hospital. No other injuries were reported.
The suspect was wearing a Halloween mask at the time of the shooting. Detectives are working to identify the suspect, who has not been arrested as of Friday morning.
Police said the two injured victims, not targeted by the suspect, were close in proximity to the targeted shooting.
Many employers and guests sheltered in place.
Detectives from the VPD Major Crime Team are reviewing videos from inside the mall.
The police also determined within an hour or so of the shooting that there was not an active shooting situation, meaning there was no continued threat.
Police were clearing the mall late Thursday night, trying to make contact with anyone still inside.
Those with information related to the shooting who did not talk to police Thursday are asked to call the Vancouver Police Tip Line at 360-487-7399.
According to Vancouver Police’s posts on X, formerly Twitter, authorities determined there was no active threat inside the mall by 8:32 p.m.
At 8:36 p.m., the police noted that anyone sheltering in place in the mall could exit at any door.
Those who left personal property at the mall can contact Vancouver Mall security to arrange to pick up their property on Friday.
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I’m so sad. I had the honor of creating the PowerPoint for his huge fundraiser and helped design the military honor coin for the veterans who passed his court program. Rest in Peace Darvin.