Independence Mall gun scare sends shoppers fleeing as police arrest four suspects
WILMINGTON, N.C. –Holiday shopping turned into straight panic at Independence Mall Tuesday afternoon after reports of armed men and shoppers scrambling for safety.
Wilmington Police say they were flooded with 911 calls around 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 23, with witnesses reporting several men walking through the mall carrying guns — including what some believed was a rifle. Within minutes, the mall was swarmed with officers as shoppers bolted toward exits in fear.
According to police, officers arriving on scene spotted men matching the descriptions hopping into a white vehicle and speeding off. When officers tried to pull the car over, the driver took off, taking police on a chase that ended near Wilshire Boulevard by the Hanover Landing Apartments.
Two suspects were caught when police stopped the vehicle. The other two jumped out and ran — but didn’t get far. Wilmington Police deployed a K-9 unit and a drone, eventually tracking down and arresting all four suspects.
Despite social media reports, police later confirmed no shots were fired and no one was injured during the incident. Police say a firearm was recovered after being thrown from the vehicle during the chase. All four men are now facing charges connected to the incident:
• Jordan Smith, 25 — charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and resisting a public officer. He is being held without bond.
• Rashaad Rogers, 23, the driver — slapped with 20 charges, including felony fleeing to elude arrest. He remains jailed on a $20,000 secured bond.
• Tristian Allen, 20 — charged with resisting an officer. He posted a $1,200 bond and has since been released.
• Damien Turner, 19 — charged with resisting an officer and simple possession of marijuana. He remains jailed without bond.
Wilmington Police say the investigation is still ongoing.
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