UPDATE, 10:38 PM: Omaha Police have released a photo from Westroads Mall and are asking for the public's help in finding the individuals shown. The people are described as "persons of interest" and the police department is asking people with information about them to call Omaha Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP, or online at www.omahacrimestoppers.org or on the P3 Tips mobile app.
UPDATE 9:41PM: Omaha police have released the names of the victims who were shot at Westroads Mall on Saturday.
Trequez Swift, 21, died from his injuries after being transported in critical condition to Bergan Mercy.
Ja'Keya Veland, 22, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
A man died following a shooting at Westroads Mall on Saturday.
Police said the call came in around noon. The shooting happened inside the mall near J.C. Penney.
Police said there were two victims. In addition to the man who later died, a woman was brought to CHI Immanuel Hospital with a leg injury.
ALSO SEE: Shoppers share experiences of Westroads Mall shooting
According to police, the investigation indicates it was an isolated incident and not a random attack.
The suspects fled the scene and are still at large. Police said they have limited details on which direction they took off in.
Police said it was not an active shooter situation, but they took precautions and treated it as such.
“We try to move quickly, obviously," said Lt. Neal Bonacci with the Omaha Police Department. "But we’re also trying to move methodically so that we’re covering the entire building, ensuring that no other suspects are there, so there’s no other danger.”
A search of the mall was conducted for any additional suspects or victims.
Stores also followed active shooter protocols, providing shelter to shoppers who were fleeing from the gunfire.
“It appeared that mall security and management and employees were doing what they were told to do in these types of situations: lock their doors, make sure the safety of not just themselves, but obviously the customers as well," Bonacci said.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 402-444-STOP.
Residents are advised to avoid the area as the investigation is ongoing.
Westroads Mall is closed for the rest of the day on Saturday. Police said the mall will likely resume normal hours on Sunday.
Westroads Mall was the site of a mass shooting in 2007 that left nine people dead, including the shooter. More recently, the mall was the site of an officer-involved shooting last month.
Active situation at Westroads Mall. Nothing confirmed yet, but a lot of people are exiting the mall, and police in tactical in we’re seen entering the near Von Maur. pic.twitter.com/XH1RR2qSgf
— Jessika Eidson KMTV (@JessikaEidsonTV) April 17, 2021
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