BEL AIR, MD – A shooting occurred in a store at the Harford Mall in Bel Air on Sunday afternoon, leaving a 42-year-old male injured, according to the local authorities. The shooting was reported to the police just after 4 p.m., who promptly arrived at the scene to manage the situation.
Bel Air police referred to the initial stage of the investigation as an active shooter situation, owing to the volume of emergency calls received. However, Cpl. Keith Smithson of the Bel Air Police explained that it was considered a precautionary measure taken due to the urgency of the situation.
After further investigation, the police concluded that there was no active shooter on the loose and identified the incident as an isolated event between the victim and the supposed shooter.
Authorities have identified a potential suspect and his vehicle, based on witness accounts. The vehicle was later discovered in Edgewood, but the suspect remained at large at the time of reporting.
The victim was swiftly transported in stable condition by air to a hospital in Baltimore, while local firefighters and EMS units were dispatched to provide support in the investigation and manage the scene at the mall.
Emphasizing the commitment to security, Cpl. Keith Smithson assured that their swift and efficient response was the result of constant training and focused efforts to maintain public safety.
The aftermath of the shooting saw the mall go into lockdown, with people either evacuating or having to take shelter inside. A witness stated that amidst the chaos and confusion, groups of people sought refuge in service areas, children crying as they tried to locate their parents.