Shooting at Alpharetta mall carnival called 'accidental,' arrest warrants issued
ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Alpharetta Police are now calling the shooting at North Point Mall's carnival accidental, according to a Facebook post.
Regardless, arrest warrants have been issued for the juvenile they believe is responsible. The juvenile is facing several criminal charges, including second degree cruelty to children, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony, two counts of reckless conduct, possession of a firearm by a person under the age of 18, and tampering with evidence.
Police say they are withholding the identity of the suspect because he is a juvenile. They also revealed that he and the two victims have known relationships which is why they believe this was an isolated incident.
ORIGINAL STORY
Two women are recovering in the hospital after they were shot during a family-friendly carnival at Alpharetta's North Point Mall Wednesday night, police say.
People ran for safety when someone opened fire around 7 p.m. at the event, which was held in the parking lot of the mall. A viewer tells FOX 5 there were multiple shots.
"It was in the area of the rides when the shots were fired," Alpharetta Police Lt. David Freeman said. "I'm not sure if they were on the ride or standing next to it."
One of the victims was flown to an area hospital; the other was taken by ambulance.
Police say the victims were both young women, but their ages and names have not yet been released.
Investigators are currently working to gather more information, but believe the incident is isolated, and the shooter is no longer at the scene.
Investigators spent the evening speaking to witnesses and combing over the scene for physical evidence, but right now say they only have a vague description of what he may look like.
Police did say officers found a gun in the area where the shooting occurred.
"This is typically a great place out here, it’s a great carnival. It’s been coming here for years," Freeman said.
The North Point Mall Carnival was being held June 2-11. Officials have not stated whether the event will be shut down due to the incident.