The 22-year-old man is accused of illegally carrying a gun, according to a statement from the Colombian Police Department. Investigators are consulting with prosecutors and more charges are possible, the statement said.
He was one of three people detained after the shooting, police said, adding that the other two men detained had been released after investigators found they were not involved.
No deaths have been reported since the shooting at the Columbiana Center Mall, just 10 miles from downtown Columbia, Police Chief William H. Skip Holbrooke said Saturday.
Police initially said 12 people were injured, but later updated the number of victims to 14, with at least nine of them shot. Five others were injured while trying to escape to safety, police said, including broken bones and head injuries.
The victims are between 15 and 73 years old, police said. A 73-year-old woman was hospitalized late Saturday
The shooting took place around 2 pm during a clash between gunmen at the mall, according to police.
Police are encouraging witnesses to provide information
Police seized a firearm related to the shooting, and evidence from the crime scene shows that at least two different firearms were used by two suspects, police said.
At least three suspects showed weapons at the mall, but it is unclear whether they all fired, the statement said.
“The shooting is believed to be an isolated incident between the suspects and is likely to be the result of an ongoing conflict,” police said in a press release.
The police chief said investigators believe those involved in the shooting knew each other.
“This was not a situation where we had a random person show up at a mall to fire a firearm and injure people,” Holbrooke told a news conference on Saturday afternoon.
Police are asking witnesses to call 803-545-3525 to share information and videos they may have about the shooting.
“We know a lot of people have seen different things. “Please take some time, gather your thoughts and contact law enforcement,” Holbrooke said.
After the shooting, mall officials issued a statement posted by Colombian police on Twitter.
“Today’s isolated, senseless act of violence is extremely upsetting and everyone’s thoughts are affected. We are grateful for the prompt response and continued support of our security team and our law enforcement partners, “the statement said.
Michelle Watson and Emma Tucker of CNN contributed to this report.
Add Comment