HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Mall was temporarily evacuated Friday afternoon after a shooting near the entrance of Round One at around 4:40 p.m., according to Holyoke Police.
Police said they detained a juvenile in the incident who was struck in the leg in an exchange of gunfire with officers.
“Around 4:30 p.m. today as mall security detected a suspect shoplifting, security officers contacted two Holyoke police officers who were working a paid detail at the mall,” said Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan in a press conference.
“When the officers approached the suspect by the entrance to the Round One store the suspect produced a firearm. Officers and the suspect exchanged gunfire. The officer was not struck, the suspect was shot in the leg,” he said.
Keenan said police immediately provided first aid and the suspect was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Holyoke officers recovered a firearm on scene from the suspect and that an investigation is ongoing by the Holyoke Police Department in collaboration with State Police.
He further said that regardless of the incident, “the Holyoke Mall is a very safe place to shop.”
The mall was again opened Saturday for normal business hours.
Mall owner Pyramid Management Group said in a statement over the weekend that there are “proactive steps” being made to ensure safety in addition to measures already in place.
“In close collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, these measures are continually reviewed and enhanced to meet evolving safety needs, including our Parental Escort Policy which has been in place for several years,” the statement read, saying that shopper’s safety is the “highest priority.”
According to the Holyoke Mall website, the policy mandates that on Fridays and Saturdays between the hours of 4pm and closing, anyone under the age of 18 visiting Holyoke Mall must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years of age or older, who is allowed to supervise up to five teens. Shoppers should have ID, and the policy does not apply to stores with exterior entrance.
The statement continued, “In addition, Holyoke Mall regularly conducts emergency preparedness drills, training sessions, and risk assessments to ensure our team is equipped to respond swiftly and effectively in any situation. We also encourage guests to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to mall security or local authorities.”
News of the incident has gone around the state and was also covered by DailyMail. The Holyoke Mall is the third largest mall in New England based on retail space, with 1.6 million square feet of space and nearly 150 stores.
Samuel Gelinas can be reached at sgelinas@gazettenet.com.