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.
The Chicago Police Department has charged a man in connection with the fatal stabbing of a woman at a CTA Green Line station on Thursday afternoon.
Willi Holmes, 54, faces one felony count of first-degree murder following the death of 25-year-old Emily Carlson.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. at the Central Avenue Green Line station.
Preliminary investigations reveal that Carlson was with another individual when a verbal altercation broke out involving Holmes.
The argument escalated into a physical confrontation, during which Holmes allegedly produced a knife and stabbed Carlson in the back.
Holmes then fled the scene.
Emergency medical personnel responded, and Carlson was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Chicago police officers quickly located and arrested Holmes shortly after the attack.
A weapon believed to have been used in the stabbing was recovered at the time of his arrest.
Sources indicated that the altercation began on the station platform and continued onto the street.
Holmes is currently in custody and is scheduled to appear at a detention hearing on Saturday.
The investigation remains ongoing.