A tragic incident unfolded at the Easton Town Center on Sunday evening, leaving a teenage boy fatally shot. Columbus police have described it as an isolated incident and have taken two 13-year-olds into custody in connection with the shooting. One of the adolescents has been charged with murder, while the other is facing charges of obstructing justice.
The victim, whose exact age remains undisclosed but is believed to be under 18, was pronounced dead at Mount Carmel East hospital at 6:50 p.m. The identity of the victim will not be released until the family is notified.
Contrary to initial reports, it has been confirmed that there was only one person who was shot. The incident was reported at the shopping center around 6:14 p.m., and dispatchers initially mentioned that two individuals had been transported to separate medical facilities. However, it was later clarified that the victim was taken to Mount Carmel East due to the severity of their condition.
Within a minute of the shooting, a Columbus police officer who was present at the mall on special duty was able to locate the victim and provide immediate medical assistance, including CPR. Authorities have stressed that this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
While the shooting was initially reported to have occurred inside the main mall area near the AMC Theater, subsequent information obtained during the investigation indicates that it took place outside the main building. More than 70 law enforcement personnel from different agencies swiftly responded to the scene.
Numerous individuals are being questioned about their potential involvement in this tragic incident. Mayor Andrew J. Ginther has assured the community that those responsible will be held accountable, emphasizing that such acts of violence will not undermine their sense of safety.
Mayor Ginther and Chief Elaine Bryant have also called on state legislators to address gun safety regulations, highlighting that individuals of such young ages should not have access to firearms in the first place. Ohio law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing or possessing a handgun.
Despite these unfortunate incidents, Mayor Ginther has reassured the public that Easton and other shopping centers in the area, such as Polaris Fashion Place, remain safe. He also acknowledged the increasing involvement of juveniles in violence and expressed concern over the shootings and violence taking place throughout various neighborhoods in the city.
Eyewitnesses recounted hearing a gunshot and witnessing the ensuing chaos, prompting people to seek shelter indoors. A security officer at the mall noted a significant number of teenagers and young adults present on that day, more than they had ever seen before.
Multiple police sources reported the recovery of at least two firearms at the scene, along with the collection of shell casings as crucial evidence. The mall explicitly prohibits the possession of weapons, as stated on its website.
The management of the mall released a statement clarifying that the situation was under control and that Columbus police were present at the scene. Although the mall stores usually close at 6 p.m. on Sundays, the movie theater remained open due to National Cinema Day.
The swift collective response of law enforcement ensured that the mall was promptly secured, enabling the safe evacuation of shoppers and employees. The ramps leading to Easton Way from Interstate 270 have since reopened after being temporarily closed during the search for potential suspects.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist the Columbus Police Homicide Unit. Detectives are actively investigating the case, focusing on identifying and capturing all individuals involved.
This tragic shooting serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence and ensure the safety of communities. As investigations unfold, the hope is that justice will be served, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this devastating and senseless act.
