News
16-year-old girl injured in shooting outside JCPenney at University Park Mall, suspect detained
During the investigation, a 15-year-old boy was questioned and is presently in custody at the Juvenile Justice Center, facing multiple charges.
Law enforcement reports that a 15-year-old boy has been apprehended following a shooting incident that injured a 16-year-old girl outside University Park Mall on Sunday evening.
Mishawaka Police Department indicates that the incident occurred around 6 p.m. in the parking lot on the west side of JCPenney.
Officers were already present inside the mall, responding to an altercation, when they received another call requesting an ambulance outside the mall.
Upon exiting the mall, officers discovered a 16-year-old girl on the ground with a gunshot wound in the parking lot. She remained conscious and engaged with officers as she was transported to the hospital, reportedly in stable condition.
During the investigation, a 15-year-old boy was questioned and is presently in custody at the Juvenile Justice Center, facing multiple charges. While details about the shooting are limited, authorities assert that there is no current threat to the public.
The detective bureau has mobilized several investigators, engaging in discussions with numerous individuals who were initially interviewed on the scene and were inside the vehicle during the shooting,” explained Sgt. Ryan Hiipakka of the Mishawaka Police Major Crimes Unit. “However, based on the information we currently have, this appears to be an isolated incident. It is unrelated to the earlier altercation or the individuals involved in the initial call that brought officers to the scene. Therefore, regarding any concerns for public safety, there is no indication that this incident will continue or pose a threat to the public.”
The investigation into the incident is being managed by the Mishawaka Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit.
According to the police, Simon Property Group, the owner of University Park Mall, is actively cooperating with the investigation, as are the individuals involved in the situation. Initial indications suggest that this shooting differs significantly from the majority of gun violence incidents that occurred in Michiana over the past week.
Prior to Sunday evening, there were eight reported shootings in the last six days. With this shooting, along with another reported on Sunday evening in Elkhart County, the total rises to 10 over the past seven days.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
