HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A tragic incident unfolded near The Mall in Columbia on Saturday evening, resulting in the death of one teen and leaving another critically injured after they were shot near the Lidl grocery store. Witnesses reported seeing police respond to the scene around 6:30 p.m., and authorities have confirmed this was not an active shooting situation, but rather what appears to be a targeted attack.
According to Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der, the shooting occurred outside the mall’s operational area, at the parking lot and bus stop region along Little Patuxent Parkway. “This was not an active shooting incident,” he stated, clarifying the danger to the public and emphasizing the police’s swift response to the report of shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two young adult males suffering from gunshot wounds. Tragically, one victim was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting immediate concern over community safety. The second victim was rushed to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he remains in grave condition.
Police have not released the identities of the victims, citing the need for their families' notification and privacy during this devastating time. Officials suspect one shooter was involved and believe the incident was targeted, indicating the shooter may have known the victims. “We believe the suspect knew the victims,” Chief Der remarked during the press briefing, as detectives began interviewing witnesses and will be reviewing surveillance video from the area.
Lindsay Kahn, spokesperson for The Mall in Columbia, confirmed there was no disruption to mall operations, which continued as scheduled and closed at 8 p.m. on Saturday, one hour after the incident. Local shoppers reportedly did not experience any immediate threats, but authorities issued public advisories urging caution and avoiding the area as the investigation unfolded.
This shocking incident is reminiscent of previous violence linked to The Mall in Columbia, as just last summer, another teen was tragically shot and killed within the mall vicinity, leading to widespread panic and chaos during peak shopping hours. That incident involved another young male who was targeted, raising concerns among residents about safety near the busy shopping area.
Detectives are actively investigating and would like to get any leads from the community. “If you have any information related to this incident, HCPD urges you to call 911,” the police said. They are prioritizing public safety and determining the motive behind this latest shooting incident.
While the investigation is still developing, local communities are shaken, urging for additional support to prevent such acts of violence from occurring again. The police department has committed to transparency as they collect evidence and work to bring the responsible parties to justice.
Updates on this tragic event will be provided as more information becomes available, with the Howard County Police Department vowing to keep the public informed about their findings moving forward.
Behind this incident is yet another reminder of the need for active dialogue and preventative measures within communities and how they must work together to protect their members, especially youth at risk, and efforts must be made to understand the circumstances surrounding violent acts.
While the hearts of many are heavy, it is imperative to address the broader issue of youth violence, ensuring safety strategies are developed to support and protect young individuals.
Stay tuned for more details as the police investigation continues, and collaboration with the community remains pivotal to preventing future tragedies.