Crime
Victim killed in Vancouver Mall shooting on Halloween night identified as Jahar Perez
The individual, identified as 32-year-old Travis Ward, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault.
VANCOUVER, Wash. — A shooting at the Vancouver Mall on Thursday evening left one man dead and two others injured in what authorities believe to be a targeted attack.
According to Vancouver police, officers received a call around 7:30 p.m. reporting a disturbance inside the mall, with witnesses mentioning possible gunshots.
As gunshots echoed through the mall, children and parents scrambled for safety, hiding in nearby stores and seeking cover wherever they could.
Some locked themselves in restrooms, while others huddled in storage areas behind counters, waiting in fear for the situation to end.
In addition to the fatality, two men, aged 30 and 40, sustained injuries in the incident. Fortunately, both were treated and have since been released from the hospital, according to Vancouver police.
The victim has been identified as Jahar Perez.
The suspect involved in the Halloween night shooting at Vancouver Mall has been taken into custody, as confirmed by the Vancouver Police Department.
Police received a tip on Saturday indicating that the shooter was hiding inside a residence in Vancouver.
With assistance from the SWAT team, law enforcement responded to the location, where the suspect ultimately surrendered without incident.
The individual, identified as 32-year-old Travis Ward, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder and two counts of first-degree assault.
In an official statement, the Vancouver Police Department extended gratitude to the community for their cooperation, specifically thanking those who provided critical information and tips, most of which were submitted through Facebook.
The tips played a significant role in leading officers to Ward’s location.
Witness accounts indicate that the shooter was wearing a Halloween mask when he opened fire amid a trick-or-treat event, where families with young children had gathered at the mall on Thursday night. The masked shooter’s presence at a family-oriented event intensified public concern, as the gunfire interrupted what was supposed to be a safe, festive atmosphere.
Earlier, detectives issued a request for information from two women seen in the mall around the time of the shooting.
Authorities believed the two might possess knowledge relevant to the investigation. Both women cooperated fully with detectives and are not considered suspects or persons of interest.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement has stressed its commitment to ensuring public safety and is actively working to gather all remaining details surrounding the incident.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.