A shooting incident inside a shopping mall in Boise, Idaho resulted in the death of two people. Police said at least four other people were injured, including a police officer.
Police said Monday that the suspect is now in custody. The man is reportedly in critical condition and is being treated at a hospital. The officer that was shot is also being treated but is now in stable condition.
Authorities did not release any information regarding the identity of the suspect, the victims, or the officer who was hurt in the encounter. Police have closed off the mall as they conduct their investigation into the incident. The mall will remain closed until the investigation is completed.
Boise Police Chief Ryan Lee said they received reports of the shooting at around 1:50 p.m. local time Monday. They also received a call indicating that one person had been shot and killed. When officers arrived, they immediately spotted the man who matched the description of the shooter.
The man reportedly saw the police and shot at them. They then exchanged gunfire, resulting in the injury of one police officer and the suspect. Lee said they believe the man had acted alone and there was no other shooter in the vicinity.
Lee said during a press conference Monday evening that they have yet to determine the motive for the shooting. He added that any speculation is still premature. Lee said they are still interviewing dozens of witnesses who were present during the shooting incident.
Apart from the local police, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives have also joined the investigation. Police have reportedly cordoned off a road just a mile away from the mall, which is believed to be a second crime scene related to the mall shooting. Police declined to comment on how the second crime scene was related to the mall shooting.
Boise Mayor Lauren McLean requested that the public and the news media respect the victims' and their families' privacy at this time. She also thanked the police officers and first responders who had worked tirelessly to protect the community.
