UPDATE 5/8/2023: On May 7, 2023. at 4:10 p.m., officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to numerous calls for the sound of gunshots inside the St. Charles Town Center located at 11130 Mall Circle in Waldorf.
When officers arrived, they established a perimeter and entered the mall to try to locate potential victims. At the same time, a description of the shooter and accomplices – reported to be teens – was provided from witnesses who called 9-1-1. Responding officers located the subjects outside the mall hiding behind a dumpster; a gun was recovered from underneath the dumpster.
A preliminary investigation showed the teens were involved in a dispute with two adults inside a business on the lower level of the mall. The dispute continued into a common area at which point a 16-year-old male produced a firearm. One of the men he was arguing with tried to intervene but the suspect pointed the gun toward him, discharging it one time. The round missed the victim and struck the window of a storefront. The suspects fled. With the assistance of the Maryland State Police and mall security officers, responding officers went through the mall and escorted customers and employees to safety. No one was injured as a result of the gunfire. Through further investigation, detectives determined a 17-year-old accomplice of the shooter took the gun and hid it underneath the dumpster.
Detectives are working to establish where the 16-year-old obtained the gun.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Det. Bringley at 301-609-6499. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online at www.charlescountycrimesolvers.com or by using the P3Intel mobile app.
The investigation is ongoing.
5/7/2023: On Sunday, May 7, 2023, at approximately 4:45 p.m., police responded to the St. Charles Towne Center at 11110 Mall Circle in Waldorf, for reports of two teenagers armed with firearms.
Additional police along with fire and rescue personnel were then dispatched for multiple 911 calls reporting shots were fired.
First arriving officers located multiple citizens suffering minor injuries but reported no gunshot victims were located.
Upon clearing the entire mall, police reviewed security camera footage and witness cell phone videos and began searching for two suspects.
One suspect was located and detained, police recovered a handgun from the suspect.
There have been no reported victims of gunshot wounds. The mall will remain closed today as the investigation continues.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated a 16-year-old and three other patients for minor injuries sustained when fleeing the mall. It is unknown if any of the patients were transported.
Police stated “We will update as soon as more information is available. Anyone with information should call 301-932-2222.”
