Incident Overview
A shooting occurred at the Westfield Valley Fair mall in San Jose on Friday after a verbal dispute between the suspect and one of the victims escalated. The suspect, a male, pulled out a firearm during the altercation and fired multiple shots. Three people were injured, including the male victim involved in the dispute, an unrelated adult woman, and a 16-year-old girl, all suffering non-life-threatening wounds. Police described the event as gang-related but isolated, emphasizing it did not involve an active shooter situation.
Victims and Response
The two female victims were not part of the fight and were likely hit by stray bullets. Eyewitnesses reported confusion and fear, with some mall workers hiding in storerooms before police ordered evacuation via intercom instructions. The mall reopened the following day, with a strong police presence maintaining security.
Law Enforcement's Actions
San Jose police continue to seek the suspect, analyzing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to identify the shooter and the group he was with before fleeing. Authorities attribute the violent outbreak to a gang-related argument that escalated rapidly outside a Macy's store.
"A preliminary investigation indicated a verbal altercation followed by multiple gunshots," said San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph.
"The incident was gang-related but isolated."
Public Impact
People nearby witnessed and recorded panic as shoppers ran from the scene. Some took cover inside stores for extended periods until police deemed it safe to leave under escort. The aftermath saw a disrupted shopping environment but no further violence reported.
Author's summary: The San Jose mall shooting stemmed from a gang-related verbal dispute, resulting in three injured by gunfire including two uninvolved bystanders, leading to a swift police response and ongoing search for the suspect.
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