Two people are dead and one person is injured after a shooting at a mall in Michigan on Friday, according to local police. The incident occurred at the Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights, a suburb of Detroit, around 6 p.m. local time.
Details of the shooting
Police responded to reports of gunfire and found three victims. Two were pronounced dead at the scene, and a third was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect fled the scene and remains at large, police said. Authorities have not released a description of the suspect or a possible motive.
Sterling Heights Police Chief Michael Reese said at a press conference: 'This is a tragic event. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We are doing everything we can to locate the suspect.'
Police response and investigation
The mall was placed on lockdown as officers searched the building. Shoppers were evacuated, and the surrounding area was cordoned off. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward.
This is the latest in a series of mass shootings in the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 300 mass shootings in the country so far this year.
Community reaction
Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor expressed condolences, saying, 'Our city is heartbroken. We stand with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.' The mall will remain closed until further notice as the investigation continues.
