Crime
38-year-old Gregory Stevens charged after reports of an active shooter prompted the evacuation at Acadiana Mall
Witnesses reported that Stevens was acting erratically, which raised alarm among patrons.
A Lafayette man has been taken into custody following a report of a potential active shooter that led to the evacuation of the Acadiana Mall on Thursday evening.
The Lafayette Police Department (LPD) responded to a call around 5:30 p.m. regarding a person reportedly armed with a firearm inside the Acadiana Mall on Johnston Street, according to LPD spokesperson Matthew Benoit.
The report prompted an immediate response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police.
Officers conducted thorough interior and exterior sweeps of the mall, but no armed individuals were located, Benoit confirmed.
Rumors on social media suggested gunshots were heard during the incident. However, Benoit clarified:
“Officers have no information confirming that shots were fired during the incident. During the evacuation, several businesses began closing their roll-down security doors, creating loud slamming sounds throughout the building, accompanied by people yelling and fleeing the area.”
The investigation revealed that Gregory Stevens, 38, entered the mall on Thursday evening. Stevens, a former mall security guard, had been terminated from his position in December and banned from the property.
Witnesses reported that Stevens was acting erratically, which raised alarm among patrons.
Stevens was later apprehended at a residence on Pleasant View Drive. He was booked into custody and faces the following charges:
- Terrorizing
- Trespassing
- Active warrant for possession of a stolen firearm
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
LPD has reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat and that the swift response by law enforcement ensured the safety of all mall patrons and employees. Law enforcement continues to urge individuals to report any suspicious activity.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Crime
Teen Killed, Another Critically Injured in Targeted Shooting Near Columbia Mall – Suspect in Custody
Columbia, MD – A teenage boy was killed, and another remains in critical condition following a targeted shooting near The Mall in Columbia on Saturday evening.
According to Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der, the shooting did not occur inside the mall but took place in the vicinity of the Lidl grocery store and a bus stop on Little Patuxent Parkway.
Mall operations were unaffected and proceeded as normal, closing at 8 p.m.
Authorities have arrested 18-year-old Emmetson Zeah of Columbia in connection with the double shooting.
Zeah has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and other related offenses.
The incident occurred on February 22 at approximately 5:52 p.m. when police responded to reports of gunfire in the 10300 block of Little Patuxent Parkway.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
One victim, identified as 16-year-old Michael Robertson, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim, 15-year-old Blake McCray, was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack; however, the motive remains unclear.
During a search of Zeah’s residence, authorities recovered the firearm used in the crime as well as the clothing he allegedly wore during the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.