A dispute between the suspect and one of the victims was what led to the shooting at the Westfield Valley Fair mall in San Jose on Friday, according to the police department.
San Jose police said they responded to the mall located at 2855 Stevens Creek Boulevard following multiple reports of a shooting at around 5:40 p.m. on Friday.
Upon arrival, officers located a man, a woman and a 16-year-old girl suffering from gunshot wounds, officials reported. Police said all victims were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to the police department, preliminary details indicate the suspect had an argument with the man before producing a firearm from his waistband and firing multiple rounds. Authorities reported the woman and the teen were struck by stray gunfire and are not believed to be involved in the dispute.
Officials told NBC Bay Area Friday that the shooting happened by the Macy’s.
Police informed initial information revealed the incident to be gang-motivated, but the circumstances remain under investigation. The mall is reopening Saturday, and police said there will be increased security.
Anyone with any information that could assist this investigation is asked to contact Detective Guevara #4669 of the San José Police Department Gang Investigations Unit via email at 4669@sanjoseca.gov or by phone at 408-277-3835.
