This is a developing story, we will continue to provide updates as they become available.
Authorities provided an update on the Westroads mall shooting at 2:15 pm CDT.
OMAHA, Neb. (KLKN) — According to Omaha officials, there were two victims and two suspects involved in the Westroads Mall shooting. The victims have been identified as one male and one female. The male was taken to Bergan Mercy hospital for trauma care, while the female was taken to Immanuel hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
The victims were shot inside the mall, just outside of JCPenny’s.
Authorities are still looking for the suspects. They are asking anyone in the public who may have information pertaining to the case to reach out to Omaha law enforcement directly or Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP.
“This is very uncommon. I believe- and speaking for the department- Omaha is a very safe place. I know incidents like this happen, and unfortunately, nationwide we are seeing an increase in different violent crimes,” said an Omaha Police spokesperson. “However, Omaha is safe. We take a lot of preventative measures as a department. This is uncommon and unfortunately, this is just a coincidence that two incidents have happened so closely together.”
The investigation is ongoing. Westroads Mall will remain closed for the rest of the day as investigators process the scene.
The mall will likely reopen for normal hours tomorrow, but this could change.
Live update as of 1:45 pm CDT.
Authorities are responding to a shooting at Westroads Mall in Omaha. Officers say it is not an active shooter situation, but the suspect is believed to still be at large.
There is a large police presence at the mall, which is reportedly on lockdown.
Shooting Incident at Westroads Mall. One victim was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Suspects fled the scene and are at large. OPD is searching the entire mall as a precaution. Please avoid the area. A press release will be sent later with more information.
— Omaha Police Dept (@OmahaPolice) April 17, 2021
Omaha Police say one victim was transported to the hospital with critical injuries.
Again, police scanner traffic indicated the shooting may have been targeted and is not necessarily an “active shooter” situation.
Officers are searching the entire mall as a precaution. Please avoid the area.
This is the second shooting to take place at Westroads mall in 2021. In mid-March, an officer was shot after responding to a shoplifting call.
This is a developing story, we will continue to provide updates as they become available.