SYRACUSE, NY – A 14-year-old male suspect who was previously thought to be a victim has been arrested and charged for a shooting at the Destiny USA mall.
Officers responded to a shots fired call on Friday, February 24th, at approximately 4:12 p.m. at Destiny USA mall.
Upon arriving, officers found a trashcan that had been struck by gunfire. According to the investigation, two groups were in a dispute when one group member displayed a firearm and fired at the other.
All involved parties fled the scene before the police arrived. Police in the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and began investigating the case.
Video evidence was analyzed, a canvass was conducted, and a 14-year-old male suspect was identified through those efforts.
At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1st, information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts was acquired, and he was taken into custody at the 300 block of Taft Avenue.
As a result, officers learned the 14-year-old was also involved in a shooting incident on January 3rd, 2023.
He was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.
The 14-year-old in that case claimed he was randomly shot at, but evidence suggests that this wound may have been an accidental self-inflicted injury. A suspect is charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. The suspect was remanded to Hillbrook on both charges.