DEARBORN, Mich. (WXYZ) — A third person has been taken into custody after three people were shot and two of them died after an altercation at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn Friday afternoon.
"Our investigators and officers have worked tirelessly over the past 24 hours to identify, locate, and arrest those responsible for this senseless act of violence. I commend the outstanding work of our Detectives, SWAT Team, Patrol Officers, and our regional law enforcement partners for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to protecting our community," said Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin in a statement.
The shooting happened around 1:25 p.m. on Friday.
Watch the video report below:
Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin says two groups of people got into an altercation before the shooting.
Responding officers immediately began rendering aid to the shooting victims. Two people were taken to the hospital, where one of them died. The third person died inside the mall.
Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin provides details in the video player below:
Dearborn Police, Michigan State Police, and University of Michigan-Dearborn police responded to the scene. The mall was evacuated.
Investigators say people from both groups were armed. The ages of the victims is unknown at this time, but the police chief says they are around their late teens or early 20s.
Watch our breaking news coverage earlier in the day:
A motive has not yet been determined.
The chief addressed the gravity of the violence unfolding in a public space.
"These kinds of acts of violence are completely unacceptable. For it to happen anywhere is unacceptable. The idea that it would happen in a public space, a mall where people are shopping is unconscionable," Shahin said. "It's just unbelievable."
"The loss of life is tragic. My condolences go out to the families of those involved in this incident," Shahin said.
On Friday night, police said two people who they think were involved in the shooting were taken into custody. A third person was taken into custody on Saturday.
"I can assure you that those involved and are responsible for this will be held accountable," Shahin said.
Witnesses are telling 7 News Detroit that the shooting happened on a lower level at the mall.
"I heard arguing and fighting that was going on inside the mall," one witness told us.
Dearborn Police issued the following statement on Facebook:
Police Activity at Fairlane Town Center
Dearborn Police officers are currently on the scene investigating a shooting at Fairlane Town Center.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. We are asking residents and visitors to avoid the area while officers secure the scene and investigators conduct their work.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
We appreciate the public's patience and cooperation.
The shooting triggered panic inside the mall. Shoppers and employees ran for cover or rushed to the nearest exit, while others sheltered in place waiting for police to give the all clear.
Felicia Royal was among those taking cover, huddling inside a Victoria's Secret store.
"I heard like 10 to 15 shots instantly," Royal said.
Royal also raised concerns about how the situation was handled inside the mall.
"I feel like they need an active shooter process because some people left and they let them leave out of a backdoor even though the police had said for everybody to stand down, stay put," Royal said.
As police cleared the mall, going from store to store with rifles at the ready, a large group of shoppers followed. Officers ushered them to safety, leading them out of the building.
Shahin said a person was hit by a car on the other side of the mall while trying to avoid the gunfire. That person's condition is unknown at this time and the person was not connected to the shooting.
The chief says people shouldn't be afraid to go to Fairlane mall.
"We've had acts of violence. That happens everywhere, but this is generally a safe mall, it's a safe city and I would encourage folks to visit," Shahin said. "I would encourage folks to not be afraid."
The mall is temporarily closed. Anyone with additional information about the shooting is asked to call police at 313-943-2240.
