One dead in shooting at Easton Town Center

A boy is believed to be the victim killed after a shooting at Easton Town Center on Sunday evening, Columbus police said.

Sgt. Joseph Albert said the victim died at 6:50 p.m. at Mount Carmel East hospital. The victim's age has not been confirmed, however, he is believed to be under the age of 18.

The male who died was the lone victim in a shooting that initially was reported at 6:14 p.m. at the shopping center. Initial reports were that a second person had been injured, however, it was later confirmed that there was only one person who was shot.

Dispatchers initially said one person had been taken to Mount Carmel East hospital and one had been taken to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. It was later determined the person who was shot was initially being taken to OSU, however, the ambulance diverted to Mount Carmel East because of the patient's condition.

Albert said a Columbus police officer who was working a special duty assignment at the mall was able to find the victim within 60 seconds of the shooting and begin offering medical treatment on the scene.

The shooting was initially reported to have taken place inside the main mall area near the AMC Theater, however, information gathered as the situation unfolded indicated it had taken place outside the main mall building. More than 70 law enforcement personnel from multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene.

No arrests had been made as of 9:45 p.m., Assistant police Chief Greg Bodker said.

Mall stores close at 6 p.m. on Sundays but the movie theater was still open.

Columbus police, mayor give statement, call for accountability

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther promised the community on Sunday that those responsible would be held accountable.

"We're going to identify and capture all who were involved," Ginther said." We will not allow these shootings to diminish our sense of safety."

Ginther and Chief Elaine Bryant also called on state legislators to take action on gun safety regulations.

"These are people who should not have guns in the first place," Asst. Chief Greg Bodker said.

Ginther also assured the community on Sunday that Easton and other shopping centers like Polaris Fashion Place, where two shootings occurred in 2021, are safe.

"These are both places I go to regularly," Ginther said. "But what has happened is disturbing and unacceptable. It's the type of shootings and violence, we're seeing in neighborhoods throughout the city that increasingly are involving more and more juveniles."

Witness said people ran after hearing gunshot

James Jones, 29, works at Easton and was outside taking a smoke break near Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern when he heard a gunshot, and someone told him to run indoors.

"That's when everyone ran (shouting) 'ah they're shooting, they're shooting,'" he said.

A security officer told a Dispatch photographer at the scene there were many teens and young adults at the mall Sunday, saying it was more than they'd ever seen.

Sunday was National Cinema Day and AMC Easton 30, the movie theater at the mall, was offering $4 movie tickets all day.

Police recovering evidence at scene

Multiple police sources said at least two firearms were recovered at the scene. Police also received multiple descriptions of possible suspects. Shell casings were also found and are being collected as evidence.

The mall has a no weapons policy, according to its website.

Easton Town Center releases statement

Management for the mall released a statement Sunday evening.

"There is no longer an active situation," the statement said. "A weapon was fired at Easton at an outside area of the North District at approximately 6:15pm. At this time, Columbus Police are on site."

Easton Town Center visitors asked to shelter in place as police look for suspect

Patrons who are at the mall were asked to shelter in place. Columbus police and other law enforcement officers went through the mall store by store to evacuate shoppers and employees.

Albert said the large law enforcement response was able to get the mall locked down quickly and escort employees and shoppers safely from the area.

Ramps from Interstate 270 reopened

The ramps from Interstate 270 to Easton Way have reopened in both directions. The ramps were closed as police worked to location possible suspects.

This is a developing story.

Dispatch staff members Cole Behrens and Courtney Hergesheimer contributed to this story.

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: One dead in shooting at Easton Town Center