Crime
38-year-old Gregory Stevens charged after reports of an active shooter prompted the evacuation at Acadiana Mall
Witnesses reported that Stevens was acting erratically, which raised alarm among patrons.
A Lafayette man has been taken into custody following a report of a potential active shooter that led to the evacuation of the Acadiana Mall on Thursday evening.
The Lafayette Police Department (LPD) responded to a call around 5:30 p.m. regarding a person reportedly armed with a firearm inside the Acadiana Mall on Johnston Street, according to LPD spokesperson Matthew Benoit.
The report prompted an immediate response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lafayette Parish Sheriffโs Office and Louisiana State Police.
Officers conducted thorough interior and exterior sweeps of the mall, but no armed individuals were located, Benoit confirmed.
Rumors on social media suggested gunshots were heard during the incident. However, Benoit clarified:
โOfficers have no information confirming that shots were fired during the incident. During the evacuation, several businesses began closing their roll-down security doors, creating loud slamming sounds throughout the building, accompanied by people yelling and fleeing the area.โ
The investigation revealed that Gregory Stevens, 38, entered the mall on Thursday evening. Stevens, a former mall security guard, had been terminated from his position in December and banned from the property.
Witnesses reported that Stevens was acting erratically, which raised alarm among patrons.
Stevens was later apprehended at a residence on Pleasant View Drive. He was booked into custody and faces the following charges:
- Terrorizing
- Trespassing
- Active warrant for possession of a stolen firearm
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
LPD has reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat and that the swift response by law enforcement ensured the safety of all mall patrons and employees. Law enforcement continues to urge individuals to report any suspicious activity.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii โ A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honoluluโs Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second womanโs injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusmanโs family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.