Police: Suspected Robber Shoots, Injures 2 People In North East Mall Parking Garage
HURST, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) — Two people were injured in a shooting inside a North East Mall parking garage Sunday afternoon, police said.
Around 1:45 p.m. Feb. 2, Hurst police responded to a shooting call in the second level of one of the mall's parking garages.
"I heard about four gunshots and they were loud," said Elicia Wilson, who was leaving Macy's with her five-year-old son when the shots rang out. "Absolutely terrifying. But you go into mama bear mode, get out of there as quickly as possible. Make sure you're both safe."
Officers said one victim was shot multiple times and has since been transported to a nearby hospital, and another was struck with shrapnel from a bullet and treated by medics.
"I've been working here 11 years, and I've been shopping here since I was a child," said Bryan Blackburn, who works at a store in the mall. "I've never heard of anything like that happening here."
The suspect — identified as 21-year-old Tacorian Howard — has since been located and taken into custody. At this time, it is believed he was approaching people on foot to rob them of their belongings.
Neither victim's identities have been released at this time and police said there is no ongoing threat to the public, but officers recommend parking in well-lit areas, take extra care while returning to your car and avoid distractions like listening to music or texting as you walk.