Crime
All-clear given after suspicious Tesla prompts temporary evacuation of American Dream mall
The American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey was temporarily evacuated on Tuesday evening due to a suspicious vehicle parked in the parking garage.
According to Sergeant Jeffrey Lebron of the New Jersey State Police, mall security observed a Tesla parked on the ground level of the C parking deck with the driver’s side door left open and unattended.
A K-9 sweep of the vehicle resulted in a positive alert, prompting the evacuation of the mall as a precautionary measure.
Additional K-9 units from Bergen County and the NJSP were brought in to conduct further sweeps, which also resulted in positive alerts.
The New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit and Bergen County Bomb Unit responded to the scene and thoroughly examined the vehicle, finding no indication of any explosive devices.
Following the thorough investigation, the mall was reopened to all employees and shoppers.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.