Police investigating deadly shooting in Arundel Mills Mall parking lot

BALTIMORE-- A man died after he was found shot in the parking lot of Arundel Mills Mall Friday night, according to Anne Arundel County Police.

Officers responded around 9:30 p.m. to the mall area in the 7000 block of Arundel Mills Circle in Hanover for reports of a shooting in the parking lot near the movie theater. A man was found with a gunshot wound to his upper torso, police said, and he died while on the way to the hospital.

Anne Arundel County Police say the investigation of this incident is ongoing.

The department has not identified a suspect at this time. Police said the shooting appeared to be targeted.

Arundel Mills shoppers said they are concerned by the violence at their local mall.

"This mall has always been safe to me, so to hear somebody got shot here, it's just sad," Severn resident Jataun Shelton said.

Some shoppers are changing their habits when they come to the mall.

"We always talk about stuff before we come here into the mall, you know, like if something happens, like a shooting and stuff, we always know what to do," Glen Burnie resident Julius Magpantay said. "The precautions that are taking right now inside, where they have extra security, I really appreciate that so now it feels a lot safer."

"Becoming a trend"

This was yet another shooting in and around a Maryland mall this year. A 17-year-old was shot and killed inside The Mall in Columbia in late July and a 42-year-old man was shot and injured inside the Harford Mall in June.

"It seems like it's becoming a trend. It's becoming normal and that's not fair to the people who want to come and patronize these malls," Severn resident Keisha Cottman said.

Arundel Mills Mall released a state Sunday morning, ensuring the safety of their shoppers, retailers, and employees is their highest priority. "Arundel Mills is among the most secure environments in Anne Arundel County. We are grateful for the quick response of both police and security officers who were stationed at the center, as well as other first responders." The statement went on to say "While the Anne Arundel County Police Department indicated there is no ongoing threat, there will be a heightened law enforcement and security presence at the property throughout the weekend."

Youth supervision policy

Arundel Mills Mall recently implemented a youth supervision policy on Fridays and Saturdays following reports of dozens of assaults, thefts, robberies and disorderly conduct.

Without an adult 21 or older, unsupervised youth must leave the mall property by 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

"Arundel Mills is committed to providing a pleasant and family-friendly shopping environment for all guests," Simon Property Group said in a statement. "The (youth supervision) program is in response to feedback from the community and community leaders, as the center reinforces its commitment to the community to provide a pleasant, family-friendly shopping environment."