A fight in the food‑court area of the Riverchase Galleria escalated into a gunshot, wounding one person in the arm, officials said Friday.
Key points
- The victim suffered a non‑life‑threatening arm wound; police do not consider the shooting a random act.
- The mall was locked down for just over an hour, with most areas reopening while the food‑court stayed closed for about two hours.
- Riverchase Galleria has experienced four shootings in eight years, three of which resulted in fatalities.
Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis confirmed that a single individual was shot in the arm during a fight at the Riverchase Galleria just before noon on Friday, WBRC reported.
According to the Hoover Police Department, the shooting took place in the food‑court area near the Footaction and JCPenney stores; early evidence indicates the victim and suspect knew each other, suggesting the incident was not a random act of violence.
Incident details
Police placed the mall on lockdown for a little over an hour, sweeping the premises, after which most of the Galleria reopened while the food‑court section remained closed for roughly two hours.
The victim’s injuries were described as non‑life‑threatening, and officials said there is currently no active threat; anyone with information is urged to call the police tip line at 205‑739‑7440 or Crime Stoppers at 205‑254‑7777.
Police response and investigation
This shooting adds to four incidents at the Riverchase Galleria over the past eight years, three of which were fatal, including a 2018 altercation near the same area that left one dead and two injured, a 2019 killing on a parking deck, and a 2020 shooting that killed Royta Giles.
Reader questions
What happened at the Riverchase Galleria on Friday?
A fight broke out in the food‑court area, and one person was shot in the arm; police say the victim and suspect knew each other.
Is there still an active threat at the mall?
Police have stated there is no active threat and the mall is operating normally aside from a temporary closure of the food‑court area.
How many shootings have occurred at the Riverchase Galleria in recent years?
Four shootings have been reported over the past eight years, three of which were deadly.
Source: wbrc.com
