Crime
Victim killed in Vancouver Mall shooting on Halloween night identified as Jahar Perez
The individual, identified as 32-year-old Travis Ward, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault.
VANCOUVER, Wash. — A shooting at the Vancouver Mall on Thursday evening left one man dead and two others injured in what authorities believe to be a targeted attack.
According to Vancouver police, officers received a call around 7:30 p.m. reporting a disturbance inside the mall, with witnesses mentioning possible gunshots.
As gunshots echoed through the mall, children and parents scrambled for safety, hiding in nearby stores and seeking cover wherever they could.
Some locked themselves in restrooms, while others huddled in storage areas behind counters, waiting in fear for the situation to end.
In addition to the fatality, two men, aged 30 and 40, sustained injuries in the incident. Fortunately, both were treated and have since been released from the hospital, according to Vancouver police.
The victim has been identified as Jahar Perez.
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.
A tragic stabbing incident occurred Wednesday afternoon at Santa Ana High School, resulting in the death of one student and injuries to two others, according to local authorities.
The violence broke out on campus shortly after the conclusion of the school day.
Santa Ana police reported that three male students were stabbed during the altercation.
One of the victims succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital.
The two remaining students sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are currently reported to be in stable condition.
Investigators are actively searching for two suspects believed to be involved in the attack.
Both individuals are reportedly high school students, although it has not yet been confirmed whether they are enrolled at Santa Ana High School.
The motive behind the stabbing remains under investigation. However, the Santa Ana Unified School District informed that preliminary information suggests the incident may be gang-related.
In a message distributed to parents and guardians, the school district emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the campus or surrounding community:
“Please be assured that there is no immediate threat to the school or surrounding area. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”
In response to the incident, all after-school programs and activities were canceled for the remainder of the day. The district also announced that crisis counselors will be available on Thursday to provide support to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward.