Scheels at Eden Prairie mall to reopen Tuesday after man fatally shot himself there Monday night
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. – The Scheels store at the Eden Prairie Center reopened its doors Tuesday afternoon after a man took his own life inside Monday night.
Shoppers had been approaching the store all morning, being met with this sign: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, Eden Prairie Scheels will reopen Tuesday at noon."
"I would have hoped they would've taken the whole day, but, I mean, they're a business. they have to be up and running and try and go about their day as normal as possible," said Kersten Skaff, who stopped by the store to return an item despite the incident. "I was a little leary to come in here. I feel like I was getting the heebie jeebies because of what happened yesterday. But I mean, I'm still going to go out and shop but obviously be more cautious and more aware of my surroundings I guess before going out places and public settings."
Despite the ongoing investigation, Eden Prairie police were able to provide new details Tuesday afternoon about what happened the night before.
In a statement, police said a 19-year-old man asked a store employee to view a semi-automatic handgun in the gun department. After being handed the unloaded weapon, the man fled across the store while loading the handgun and firing a single shot. Police say despite being early in the investigation, they believe the male brought his own ammunition into the store.
Eden Prairie Center went on lockdown for nearly two hours after the shooting. Police say officers were called to the mall at about 7:25 p.m. after there was a "report of a shot fired" inside Scheels.
"Very tragic. I feel horrible for the people that were involved, especially the employees and the bystanders that were there to witness it. And really hoping that Scheels is helping out their employees during this difficult process for them," Skaff said. "I think people just really need to seek help if they are going through some struggles. I know it's easier said than done, but they just really need to seek help."
Mental Health Resources
If you are having thoughts of suicide, you can text the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 741741 or call 1-800-273-8255.
Crisis services are available around the clock if you or someone you care about is having a mental health crisis. Call **CRISIS (**274747) from a cellphone to talk to a team of professionals who can help you. Text "MN" to 741741. More info here.