GASTONIA, N.C. — One of the shooters involved in an incident at the Eastridge Mall in Gastonia last week acted in self-defense, police said Monday.
Gastonia police said a 17-year-old was leaving the mall when he saw an 18-year-old man and 21-year-old woman going inside. Investigators said the 17-year-old and 18-year-old got into an argument, which led to the 17-year-old pulling out a handgun and opening fire at the couple. A 42-year-old man who happened to be outside the mall was also hit by gunfire, police said.
Police said the 18-year-old, who was armed, pulled out a handgun and shot back at the first shooter before he and the 21-year-old ran to the food court. They were treated for injuries inside the mall when paramedics arrived. The 17-year-old, who hasn't been identified, ran into the woods where he was later captured by responding police.
The shooting happened around noon on Friday, June 10. Gastonia police officers responded to reports of a shooting at the mall around 12:10 p.m. Two guns were recovered, including the one used by the 18-year-old, which was in the food court. The 17-year-old's weapon was found in the woods near where he was arrested.
The 18-year-old won't face charges in connection with the shooting because he was acting in self-defense, police said. The 17-year-old was charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and injure.
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The injuries on the three victims were not considered life-threatening, and all were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Officers helped shoppers and employees evacuate the mall to reunite with friends and family.
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