Two 13-year-olds have been arrested after a shooting that left one juvenile dead and an Ohio mall locked down, according to police.
According to a Columbus police dispatcher, the initial call for the incident was received about 6:15 p.m., with the caller saying they were calling from near the Lululemon store.
Within one minute of the call, the victim was found near Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams on Grammercy Street by an officer working special duty at the center, Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert said. The officer rendered aid to the victim, but the victim was pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m. at Mount Carmel East hospital.
Police said Monday morning the victim was a juvenile male and that two 13-year-old boys were arrested, with one charged with murder and the other with obstructing justice.
In a court appearance, the attorney for the teen charged with murder denied the charge, and the judge ordered the teen to remain in custody at least until his next appearance. Prosecutors allege that the teen tried to hide the gun inside a trash can at the shopping center.
The second suspect also denied the charge. Prosecutors said the suspect lied to officers about his whereabouts until officers spotted him on video. He was released and ordered to wear an ankle monitor, allowed only to be at home or his middle school. The teen is also not allowed to have access to social media.
After the shooting, Albert said law enforcement officers immediately locked down the area and began investigating near where the victim was found and also escorted shoppers and employees from the area safely.
Easton reopened for normal operations on Monday morning. A statement from the town center’s management thanked police officers who responded as well as its own security force. The statement went on to say Easton public safety officers are always monitoring the shopping center on foot and by car and bike. The statement also said management is reviewing the center’s safety protocols and will make adjustments as needed.
View this post on Instagram