Crime
32-year-old Travis Ward arrested in connection to shooting at Vancouver Mall on Halloween night
The attack was targeted – and that the suspect was wearing a Halloween mask.
VANCOUVER, Wash. — The suspect involved in the Halloween night shooting at Vancouver Mall has been taken into custody, as confirmed by the Vancouver Police Department.
Police received a tip on Saturday indicating that the shooter was hiding inside a residence in Vancouver.
With assistance from the SWAT team, law enforcement responded to the location, where the suspect ultimately surrendered without incident.
The individual, identified as 32-year-old Travis Ward, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault.
In an official statement, the Vancouver Police Department extended gratitude to the community for their cooperation, specifically thanking those who provided critical information and tips, most of which were submitted through Facebook.
The tips played a significant role in leading officers to Ward’s location.
Witness accounts indicate that the shooter was wearing a Halloween mask when he opened fire amid a trick-or-treat event, where families with young children had gathered at the mall on Thursday night. The masked shooter’s presence at a family-oriented event intensified public concern, as the gunfire interrupted what was supposed to be a safe, festive atmosphere.
Earlier, detectives issued a request for information from two women seen in the mall around the time of the shooting.
Authorities believed the two might possess knowledge relevant to the investigation. Both women cooperated fully with detectives and are not considered suspects or persons of interest.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement has stressed its commitment to ensuring public safety and is actively working to gather all remaining details surrounding the incident.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.