WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A man and several juveniles exchanged gunfire at Hanes Mall Saturday night, according to Winston-Salem police.
An off-duty police officer was at Hanes Mall when they heard multiple gunshots coming from the parking lot. A witness told investigators that a man and several juveniles shot at each other.
The kids were in a burgundy van and drove off toward South Stratford Road after the shooting, according to investigators. Police said the man was wearing a black hoodie and gray pants.
Police found several bullet casings in the parking lot near the old Sears store by the north entrance. Investigators said the gunfire hit five cars and a cargo trailer. They said they haven't found anyone with any injuries at this time.
A spokesperson with Hanes Mall said their security ran across several minors who were at the mall without adult guardians which is a violation of their Youth Escort Policy. The policy requires minors to have adult guardians during certain times of the week.
Hanes Mall released the following statement regarding their Youth Escort Policy and the exchange of gunfire that occurred over the weekend.
When the minors stated they did not have guardians accompanying them, they were asked to leave the premises, and they voluntarily did so.
We understand, however, that when the minors were leaving the outer parking lot, there was an altercation between those same individuals, wherein someone discharged a firearm. Hanes Mall security employs off-duty Winston-Salem Police Department officers, and those officers immediately responded to the incident after being notified. The Winston-Salem Police Department is currently investigating the incident and we are working with them as they do so. Any additional questions about the incident should be directed to WSPD.
As a reminder, our Youth Escort Policy is in place on weekdays from 3 p.m. until close and all day on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. In addition to the Youth Escort Policy, we also maintain a full-time, third-party security team and utilize off-duty WSPD officers seven days a week to patrol the property.
Police don't know how many suspects are involved in the investigation.
This is a developing story. This article will be updated when more details become available.
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