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.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — A San Jose police officer was shot and injured while investigating an armed carjacking in the downtown area on Wednesday, according to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD).
Authorities said the incident unfolded near the downtown core, close to major roadways including Highway 87 and the Julian Street exit.
Preliminary information indicates the suspect was involved in a series of violent events spanning multiple jurisdictions prior to the shooting.
Investigators believe the suspect initially stole a white Honda in Hollister, after abandoning a green Chevrolet Corvette.
During the course of the incident, the suspect allegedly fired shots at pursuing law enforcement officers, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
Police said the chase continued northbound on U.S. Highway 101, with speeds reportedly exceeding 100 miles per hour, traveling from Gilroy to San Jose. The pursuit ultimately led officers into the downtown area, where the officer-involved shooting occurred.
SJPD confirmed that a sworn department member was struck by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital. The officer’s condition has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
In a statement released on social media, the department said:
“SJPD is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in downtown San Jose related to an armed carjacking. An SJPD sworn Department member has been shot and transported to a local hospital. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and PIOs will share more information as it becomes available.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not confirmed whether any suspects were in custody, nor had they indicated whether any civilians were injured during the incident.
The shooting took place in an area that includes government buildings, businesses, and major transit hubs, leading to temporary traffic disruptions and a heightened police presence.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released by authorities as more information becomes available.