An evening of Halloween festivities turned tragic at Vancouver Mall in Washington when a gunman opened fire, leaving one person dead and injuring at least two others.
The incident unfolded Thursday evening, sending shockwaves through the community as local police and emergency services responded.
Immediate Response and Safety Measures
Initially described as a “disturbance” on the Vancouver Police Department’s social media, the incident was later confirmed as an active shooting.
Authorities quickly requested that the public avoid the area while they conducted a thorough investigation.
By 8:30 p.m., officers confirmed there was no longer an active threat inside the mall and advised anyone sheltering to safely exit through any open doors.
Injuries and Emergency Response
The two surviving victims were transported to a nearby hospital, though their conditions have not been disclosed.
Tragically, one individual was pronounced dead at the scene before emergency services could intervene.
The Vancouver Fire Department reportedly dispatched multiple units in response to the call, aiming to support police and assist those in need.
Clearing the Mall and Reuniting Families
As the mall was gradually cleared, Vancouver police worked to make contact with anyone remaining inside.
A reunification zone was set up near the Hobby Lobby entrance to assist those who had become separated during the chaos.
The evening’s frightening events unfolded while the mall was hosting Halloween trick-or-treating, a family-friendly event running from 5 to 8 p.m.
Eyewitness Accounts Reflect Panic and Swift Evacuation
Several individuals who were in the mall shared their experience of the alarming situation.
Ryan Tomlin, an 18-year-old Vancouver resident, was in the parking lot near Macy’s when he heard someone shouting, “Shooter! Shooter! Active shooter!”
He observed police vehicles on the west side of the mall as the tense moments unfolded.
Another visitor, Gregory Iiams, had been enjoying the arcade and bowling alley with his wife and two children at Round1.
The family was enjoying their game when they noticed people running frantically toward the exits.
Acting quickly, Iiams shielded his children as they made their way outside.
Once outside, he overheard someone confirming the presence of an active shooter, adding to the distressing realization of what had happened.
A Community Stunned and Seeking Answers
Vancouver, Washington, a city with nearly 200,000 residents located across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, now faces the aftermath of this tragic event.
Vancouver Mall, a popular shopping destination housing stores like H&M, JCPenney, Macy’s, and a Hobby Lobby, has been a community gathering spot, making this incident all the more impactful for the local residents.
Investigations and What’s Next
As of Thursday night, it remains unclear where in the mall the shooting took place.
Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Local news sources, including The Columbian, reported that Halloween festivities were underway at the time, highlighting the unsettling nature of the event and the impact on those who had come to celebrate.
Further updates are expected as officials piece together details of the incident, aiming to bring closure to a community shaken by this tragic event.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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