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.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.