Teen Arrested After 13-Year-Old Shot Inside Maryland Mall

A 17-year-old has been arrested after a 13-year-old boy was shot inside Wheaton Mall in Wheaton, Maryland, on Friday evening.

According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, officers responded to the shopping center shortly before 6 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire.

Teen Hospitalized After Shooting

When officers arrived, they found a 13-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Police said he remained conscious and breathing following the shooting.

Investigators believe the gunfire erupted near the Cinnabon on the mall’s lower level.

Security Guard Detains Suspect

According to the preliminary investigation, a 17-year-old suspect was sitting near the restaurant before he suddenly stood up and fired several rounds for reasons that remain unclear.

One of the bullets struck the 13-year-old before the suspect fled through the mall.

However, a security guard confronted the teen near Dick’s Sporting Goods and detained him until Montgomery County police officers arrived. Authorities also recovered a firearm at the scene.

Investigation Ongoing

Detectives continue working to determine what led to the shooting, and no motive has been released.

Police confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public following the suspect’s arrest.

The investigation remains active, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Montgomery County Department of Police.

Video coverage of this incident is available on the BuzzinOnlineNews Instagram page (@buzzinonlinenews).