Jacksonville police say detectives are questioning “a person of interest” after gunfire erupted while an estimated “100 to 300” teenagers were gathered in the parking lot outside The Avenues mall.
No injuries were reported immediately, and no one has come forward saying they were a victim of a crime in the incident about 5 p.m. Feb. 14 at the regional shopping center, 10300 Southside Blvd. But a bullet struck an unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot, Lt. M. Gazic of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said during a news media briefing.
“We have one person that is in custody that is being interviewed as a person of interest,” said Gazic, who didn’t release that person’s name or age.
No arrests had been reported in the ongoing investigation as of mid-morning Feb. 15.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said no injuries were reported but a bullet struck an unoccupied car when gunfire erupted Feb. 14 in the parking lot of The Avenues while hundreds of youths were gathered outside the regional shopping center on the city’s Southside. Police were questioning “a person of interest” but no arrests had been reported by the Sheriff’s Office.
The Avenues management officials couldn’t be reached immediately for comment on Feb. 15.
Gazic said a Sheriff’s Office lieutenant was working off duty at The Avenues and “observed a large group of teens in the parking lot.”
He estimated about 100 to 300 teens were in the crowd when several gunshots were heard and the crowd scattered.
“At this time, we don’t know what led to the shooting,” he said. “At this point, we don’t know how the shooting occurred or who was involved. That’s why we’re asking the public’s help.”
However, police are looking at the possibility that the incident is related to an apparent “teen takeover” event.
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Detectives from the Robbery and Violent Crimes Unit, Intelligence and Crime Scene Unit were at the scene, interviewing witnesses and preserving evidence following the incident.
Although the gunfire was outside, police went inside and “cleared the entire mall for everyone’s safety and out of an abundance of caution to make sure there were no threats inside the mall,” he said.
He said that although several stores voluntarily closed temporarily, the mall itself didn’t shut down.
Immediately after the incident, the Sheriff’s Office set up “a reunification area” for parents to pick up any remaining teenagers at the scene.
Anyone with information about the gunfire can contact the Sheriff’s Office (904) 630-0500, jsocrimetips@jaxsheriff, or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-tips
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville police: Gunfire at possible teen takeover at Avenues mall