Crime
1 injured in shooting inside Southpark Mall in Colonial Heights
Colonial Heights, VA – Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon at Southpark Mall, leaving one person injured.
The shooting took place near Dick’s Sporting Goods at Southpark Mall.
Police confirmed that the victim, a 22-year-old resident of Hopewell, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.
They were transported to a local hospital for treatment, though their current condition has not been disclosed.
Law enforcement officers are actively reviewing surveillance footage from the area to identify the suspect and piece together the sequence of events leading to the shooting.
Shoppers inside the mall reported hearing what sounded like gunfire, prompting panic and a swift evacuation as individuals ran for safety.
The mall has not released an official statement regarding its operations following the incident, and police have not provided further details about the suspect or motive.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Colonial Heights Police Department.
The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
On December 13, 2024, at approximately 10:39 a.m., the DeSoto Police Department received a 911 hang-up call from a residence in the 1000 block of Hunter’s Creek Drive.
Upon reestablishing contact, the caller, identified as 26-year-old Arthur Lee Armstrong, Jr., informed dispatchers that he was armed with “several” weapons and intended to harm police officers.
A second caller later confirmed that Armstrong was at the residence with multiple other occupants and armed with a knife.
DeSoto patrol officers promptly responded to the scene.
Upon their arrival, Armstrong confronted them in the front yard, wielding a knife in each hand.
Ignoring repeated commands to stop and drop his weapons, Armstrong advanced aggressively toward the officers.
As Armstrong continued closing the distance, one officer discharged a single round from a patrol rifle, striking Armstrong in the chest.
Officers quickly disarmed Armstrong and initiated life-saving measures on the scene. Armstrong was then transported to Central Methodist Hospital by DeSoto EMS, where he was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
The DeSoto Police Department requested that the Grand Prairie Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
Additionally, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office Public Integrity Unit dispatched an investigator to provide an independent review of the matter.
In accordance with department policy, the officer who discharged the weapon has been placed on paid administrative leave while these investigations are underway.
The DeSoto Police Department recognizes the significant impact this incident has on the community, as well as the individuals and families involved. A comprehensive investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the event, and the department is committed to maintaining transparency throughout the process.
To provide further details, a press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the DeSoto Police Department headquarters. Community members and media are encouraged to attend for updates on the investigation.