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.
On January 28, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers assigned to the Northern District responded to a reported shooting at the Northrop Grumman facility located in the 7300 block of Aviation Boulevard in Linthicum, Maryland.
Upon arrival, officers determined that the scene had already been secured by the Maryland Transportation Authority Police (MDTA), who had the suspected shooter in custody.
Preliminary findings indicate the incident stemmed from a dispute between two contracted security guards working inside the facility.
During the altercation, one of the guards discharged a firearm, striking the other.
The victim was identified as 37-year-old Joseph Keith Aman of Baltimore, Maryland. He sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities stated that a third contracted security guard intervened during the incident, successfully disarming the suspect and detaining him until law enforcement arrived.
Investigators confirmed the shooting was an isolated incident and did not involve any Northrop Grumman employees.
There was no ongoing threat to the public or the facility following the incident.
Anne Arundel County Police Department Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation.
Detectives conducted multiple witness interviews, while Evidence Collection Unit technicians processed the scene and recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Dylan Blake Chandler of Pasadena, Maryland.
He has been formally charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and additional related offenses.
Northrop Grumman issued a statement acknowledging the incident, saying:
“We are aware of an isolated incident involving two contractors at one of our Baltimore-area facilities. We are cooperating fully with local law enforcement as they investigate the matter. The safety of our employees and contractors across all facilities remains our top priority.”
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Although an arrest has been made, detectives are continuing to gather information.
Anyone with knowledge related to the incident is urged to contact the Anne Arundel County Police Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact the county’s tip line at 410-222-4700.
Further updates will be released as additional information becomes available.