A fight turned violent in the food‑court of Hoover’s Riverchase Galleria, leaving one person with a gunshot wound to the arm.
Key points
- One person was shot in the arm at the Riverchase Galleria; injuries are not life‑threatening.
- Police say the shooter and victim knew each other and no active threat remains, but no arrests have been made yet.
- This is the third shooting at the mall in three years, following incidents in 2018 and 2020.
Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis confirmed that a single individual was shot in the arm at the Riverchase Galleria on Friday just before noon. The victim’s injuries are described as non‑life‑threatening, and police have said there is no ongoing threat to shoppers.
Police arrived at the food‑court area shortly after reports of gunfire and secured the scene. While parts of the mall near the food court were closed for roughly two hours, the rest of the Galleria remained open for business. Early evidence suggests the shooter and the victim knew each other, indicating the incident was not a random act of violence. No arrests have been made at this time.
Incident and immediate response
The shooting adds to a pattern of violence at the Riverchase Galleria. In 2018, a physical altercation near the Footaction and JCPenney stores resulted in one death and two injuries. Two years later, in 2020, Royta Giles was fatally shot while standing with his mother at the same mall.
A store manager near the food court described the lockdown as lasting just over an hour, with officers sweeping the mall for additional threats. Authorities are urging anyone with information to call 205‑739‑7440, and they have offered a cash reward through Crime Stoppers at 205‑254‑7777 for anonymous tips.
Police findings and ongoing investigation
The incident has reignited concerns about public safety in Hoover’s busiest shopping destination, prompting both law‑enforcement officials and mall management to review security protocols while reassuring the public that the venue is safe to visit.
Reader questions
What happened at the Riverchase Galleria on Friday?
A fight broke out in the food‑court area, and a gun was discharged, wounding one person in the arm.
Is the mall open to shoppers?
Yes. Only the sections near the food court were closed for about two hours; the rest of the Galleria stayed open.
How can I provide information about the shooting?
Anyone with tips can call 205‑739‑7440 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 205‑254‑7777 for a cash reward.
Source: wbrc.com
