Police find more shell casings at Jacksonville Mall, shooting not random

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Police are finding more evidence today in a weekend shooting that wounded three people in the parking lot of the Jacksonville Mall.

The three people were hit by the gunfire Saturday night just before 8:15 p.m.

We’re told the man opened fire on the victims before running away from the area.

All three victims were taken to the hospital and have non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Police today said the shooting was not random and there will be more officers patrolling in the mall parking lot.

“We’re going to make sure we have additional patrols in that area, just to make sure that everyone feels safe and is safe,” says Captain Chuck James.

Despite increased patrols, shoppers like Jasmine Arroyo say they are still on edge as they didn’t initially know about the shooting, with some questioning the safety of the mall.

“There should be a way to let us know about these things,” Arroyo said. “Big crimes like that, that’s happening in the neighborhood, especially shootings.”

This afternoon, Arroyo was the one who found a shell casing near the entrance to Belk.

“We were walking around the corner and my sister noticed on the ground, she asked ‘is that a bullet?’ and we said yeah,” Arroyo said.

After police were called, officers found four more shell casings, some in the bushes.

In a statement this afternoon, the mall said it was closed when the shooting happened. Their website says it closes at 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

“We are grateful to the Jacksonville Police Department for their swift response and ongoing support,” the mall said. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this time.”

Assistant City Manager Terrell Blackmon says they understand the concerns from residents, but stay adamant that the mall is safe.

“We feel very comfortable that it is a safe space for not only visitors but people in our community to shop,” Blackmon said.

The Jacksonville Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding the shooting to call 910-938-6520.