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
Angela Johnson and Her Son DeAngelo Johnson Killed After Shooting Inside Home in Chicago, Mother’s Boyfriend in Custody
CHICAGO — A 47-year-old mother and her 27-year-old son were fatally shot inside a residence in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood on the West Side late Thursday night, September 24, 2026, according to Chicago police.
The victims were identified as Angela Johnson, 47, and DeAngelo Johnson, 27. Police said a suspect, identified as Angela Johnson’s boyfriend, was taken into custody following the shooting.
The deadly shooting happened in the 800 block of North Parkside Avenue at approximately 10:43 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots coming from the basement of the residence and called 911.
When Chicago police officers arrived, they found the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Angela Johnson was found in the basement with a gunshot wound to her chest. Police-radio traffic indicated she had been shot on the right side of her chest.
DeAngelo Johnson was found on the first floor with multiple gunshot wounds. Radio traffic indicated that he had suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.
Both victims were initially unresponsive and in critical condition. Emergency personnel performed CPR on DeAngelo Johnson before both victims were transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
According to police-radio traffic, one victim was pronounced dead at approximately 11:18 p.m., while the male victim was pronounced dead around 11:21 p.m.
Investigators found extensive evidence inside the residence, including approximately 23 shell casings in a basement bedroom. Additional shell casings were reportedly recovered in other areas of the basement, including the stairway, main room and bedroom.
Officers initially recovered a firearm and shell casings from the basement bedroom. Police later located a second firearm inside the home, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two.
Authorities have not publicly stated who owned the firearms or confirmed which weapon, if either, was used in the fatal shooting.
Police also reported that DeAngelo Johnson was wearing an empty holster when officers found him on the first floor. That discovery prompted an officer-safety alert as officers searched the residence for the missing firearm.
Chicago police said the shooting appeared to be domestic-related and identified the alleged offender as the mother’s boyfriend.
Radio traffic indicated that a person had been detained by approximately 11:26 p.m. The official police report later confirmed that the known offender was taken into custody.
Two witnesses were reportedly available to identify the alleged offender, and officers conducted a show-up identification procedure near the scene.
Police have not released additional information about potential charges against the suspect.
The investigation into the Chicago Austin neighborhood double shooting remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship between the people involved and the role of the two recovered firearms.
The deaths of Angela Johnson and DeAngelo Johnson are being investigated as a double homicide.