New Details Released In Woodbridge Center Mall Shooting
WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Authorities released new details Friday about a suspected shoplifter who was shot and killed by police after they say he took a woman hostage at knifepoint in a crowded New Jersey shopping center.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office and Woodbridge police said the suspect, 45-year-old Andres Garcia of Paterson, was killed by a single gunshot to the head after Woodbridge Officer Edward Barrett Jr. repeatedly ordered him to drop his weapon.
Authorities say Garcia was shot after he threatened to kill a 62-year-old woman the Woodbridge Center Mall on Thursday.
Garcia was confronted by security after allegedly shoplifting at a clothing store. That's when officials say he took off toward Sears, grabbed the woman and held a long kitchen knife to her neck.
When Garcia refused to drop the knife, officials say Barrett shot him. The woman was not injured.
Authorities say Garcia had been sought by police since September for violating his parole on a robbery conviction.
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