A fatal shooting at a busy shopping mall in Columbia, Maryland left one teenager dead and sent shockwaves through the community on Saturday evening. The incident occurred in the food court area of The Mall in Columbia around 6:10 p.m., police reported.
Authorities identified the victim as Angelo Little, a 17-year-old resident of Columbia. Officers responding to the scene found Little with a gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead shortly after. Howard County police believe the shooting was a targeted attack, with one suspect and one shot fired, although the suspect remains at large.
Howard County Police are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the suspect’s capture. “We are urging anyone with information about this incident to come forward,” said a police spokesperson. Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Howard County Police Department.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as shots echoed through the food court, causing everyone to start running in fear.
The mall, a popular destination between Baltimore and Washington, was swiftly evacuated. Police ensured the premises were cleared by 9:00 p.m., managing the evacuation process efficiently to maintain order and ensure the safety of the remaining patrons.
This event brings back memories of a previous shooting at the same mall in January 2014, when a man with a shotgun killed two people before taking his own life. The recent incident has reignited concerns about safety and security in public spaces.
The Howard County community is grieving Angelo Little’s death. Principal Dwayne Williams of Homewood Center, where Little was a student, expressed profound sadness over the loss. Williams highlighted Angelo’s humor and kindness in a letter to families, noting the significant impact on his family and the school community.
Williams urged parents to support their children during this challenging time, recognizing that such events can have a broad emotional impact. He noted that even children not directly affected by Angelo’s death might hear about it and experience a deep sense of loss.
Little’s friends and classmates remembered him as energetic and caring. A fellow student mentioned his talent for making everyone laugh and expressed how much he will be missed.
As the investigation continues, police have released a description of the suspect, who is believed to be a young male in his teens or early 20s, wearing dark clothing and a hooded sweatshirt. The suspect’s face was partially covered during the attack. Authorities are combing through surveillance footage and gathering witness statements to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.