Crime
Multiple Suspects in Custody After Shooting At Willowbrook Mall in Wayne
A large law enforcement response was triggered Tuesday evening at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne following reports of shots fired inside the crowded shopping center just days before New Year’s Eve.
Authorities later confirmed the situation was stabilized and no serious injuries were reported.
Wayne Police said officers responded shortly after 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30, after receiving reports of gunfire inside the mall. In a statement posted to social media, the department said:
“Wayne Police are currently investigating an incident at Willowbrook Mall that involved reports of shots fired. Numerous officers are on scene and the situation is stable. We ask that everyone avoid Willowbrook Mall at this time.”
Videos circulated on social media platforms including X and TikTok showing armed officers rushing through the mall, including toward the food court area, while other footage captured a heavy police presence inside cordoned-off sections of the property.
Additional video from the Citizen app showed multiple New Jersey State Police vehicles positioned near Bloomingdale’s and P.F. Chang’s.
Early reports circulating online suggested a possible active shooter or mass casualty incident, with unconfirmed claims that multiple people may have been shot. However, law enforcement officials later clarified that those reports were inaccurate.
According to multiple law enforcement sources, investigators believe a single gunshot was fired, possibly near the Bloomingdale’s area or the food court.
A spokesperson for Willowbrook Mall confirmed that one shot was fired and no injuries were reported. Wayne Police officers responded quickly and were able to contain the situation without further incident.
Authorities emphasized that the event did not escalate into an active shooter or mass casualty situation, contrary to early speculation.
Law enforcement sources indicated that four individuals were taken into custody, and one additional person was being sought in connection with the incident.
Officials have not released the identities of those involved or detailed their specific roles, pending further investigation.
As a precaution, the mall was rapidly secured and cleared. Shoppers told local outlets that police were escorting people out of the building by approximately 7:45 p.m.
Ambulances were staged near the AMC theater parking lot, though they were ultimately not needed for serious injuries.
State Police, along with officers from multiple surrounding departments, assisted Wayne Police in securing the area and conducting the investigation.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the gunfire, including what led up to the incident and whether any charges will be filed.
Police are urging the public to avoid the area while investigative work continues.
Further updates are expected as officials release confirmed information.
Crime
Wilhelmina Leigh Carlton charged with the murder in stabbing of her boyfriend Darius Montreal Boglin
A 43-year-old woman from Bessemer has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend earlier this month, according to authorities.
Court records show Wilhelmina Leigh Carlton, 43, is charged with the murder of Darius Montreal Boglin, 45.
Carlton was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on March 5 and is currently being held without bond.
Officers with the Bessemer Police Department were dispatched at approximately 7:49 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, to the 3100 block of Avenue B following reports of a stabbing.
According to Detective Justin Burmeister, responding officers arrived at the scene and discovered Boglin suffering from a stab wound in a driveway.
Emergency responders attempted to assess his condition, but he was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 8:10 p.m.
Authorities said Carlton was still present at the location when officers arrived and was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators confirmed that Carlton and Boglin were involved in a dating relationship.
Charging documents allege that the fatal incident occurred during an altercation when Boglin allegedly grabbed Carlton from behind, at which point she stabbed him, resulting in his death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Bessemer Police Department at 205-425-2411 or 205-481-4366. Tips can also be submitted through the department’s tip line at 205-428-3541, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.