Beachwood Mall Shooting: Mayor Addresses Safety Concerns

BEACHWOOD, OH — Beachwood Place Mall was placed on lockdown Saturday after two separate shooting incidents took place in the afternoon. While the mall re-opened for normal business on Sunday, many patrons and residents expressed trepidation about shopping there. Mayor Martin Horwitz is attempting to assuage those fears.

"As shocking and disheartening as Saturday’s events were, our safety forces alongside the Beachwood Place management team and security personnel, are confident that there is no inherent danger in the mall experience beyond what would be expected at any public place," he said in a statement. "Our joint efforts over the past couple of years have been effective and we will continue to improve the feeling of safety and security throughout both Beachwood Place and the city in general. "

On Saturday, two to three shots were fired outside the shopping complex, near Saks Fifth Avenue at about 3 p.m. That shooting was apparently part of a fight between two men that knew each other, Beachwood Police Chief Gary Haba said in a press release. One of the men was wounded, suffering a gunshot wound to the leg. The other man was arrested at the scene. Both men are in police custody.

Police said they found a large amount of cash and a handgun after the shooting, Haba said.

"I was on the scene minutes after the incident occurred and I personally want to thank Chief Haba and his force for their quick and professional response to the situation," Horwitz said.

Three hours later, at 6 p.m., police were called back to the mall for reports of another shot being fired. Officers took a 17-year-old girl to the hospital, where she was treated and released.

Investigators don't know if the incidents are connected, but "At this time, it does not appear to be a purposeful assault on any individual," the mayor said.

Horwitz added, "Beachwood Place is a valuable asset to our community and the safety of its patrons and its continued success is one of our highest priorities."

The mayor's full statement can be read by clicking here.

Photo from Google Earth