Shots Fired Outside Haywood Mall in Greenville, S.C. — Suspect Detained, No Injuries Reported
Greenville, S.C. — A tense scene unfolded Wednesday evening outside Haywood Mall in Greenville, South Carolina, after shots were fired in the parking lot, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and briefly sparking public concern over a possible active shooter situation.
The first reports of gunfire emerged shortly after 6:00 p.m., sending waves of confusion through the popular shopping destination. Greenville Police Department confirmed that officers were dispatched to the scene immediately following reports of shots fired outside the mall.
6:13 PM UPDATE: Shooting Happened Outside the Mall
According to Greenville PD, the incident occurred outside the mall, not inside as early rumors suggested. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows a physical altercation breaking out in the parking lot between a small group of individuals. Moments later, a single gunshot rings out, sending bystanders fleeing for safety and prompting multiple 911 calls.
Authorities quickly secured the area, working to identify those involved in the altercation. Officers emphasized that no victims were located, and there have been no reports of injuries as a result of the gunfire. Police also stated that there was no ongoing threat to the public and no indication of an active shooter scenario.
6:20 PM UPDATE: Suspect Detained
Just minutes later, Greenville Police confirmed that a suspect had been detained in connection to the shooting. The individual, whose identity has not yet been released, is currently being questioned as detectives work to piece together the events that led to the incident.
Law enforcement is continuing to review surveillance footage from both the mall’s security system and any potential witnesses with cellphone video. They are urging anyone who was in the area during the incident and may have seen or recorded anything relevant to come forward.
Public Reaction and Law Enforcement Response
Haywood Mall, a well-known shopping center in the Upstate region, was briefly placed on alert as officers ensured the area was safe and confirmed that the threat was confined to the parking lot. Inside the mall, shoppers reported brief moments of panic, with some stores temporarily locking doors or ushering customers to safety until the situation was clarified.
Greenville PD’s swift and coordinated response has been commended by local officials, who noted that the professionalism of officers helped prevent further chaos and allowed the investigation to begin almost immediately.
“There was a lot of confusion in those first moments, but our officers did an outstanding job securing the scene and getting to the facts quickly,” said a spokesperson for the Greenville Police Department. “Thankfully, no one was hurt, and we now have a suspect in custody as we continue to investigate.”
Ongoing Investigation
While the suspect has been detained, the motive for the fight and shooting remains under investigation. Police have not yet confirmed whether the individuals involved knew each other or if the incident was a random altercation that escalated.
No charges have been formally announced as of this update, but authorities have assured the public that more information will be released as soon as it becomes available.
In the meantime, Haywood Mall remains open but with a heightened police presence as a precaution. Officials are urging anyone with relevant video footage or information to contact the Greenville Police Department tip line.
Key Points:
- Shooting occurred outside Haywood Mall, not inside.
- No injuries reported.
- Suspect has been detained.
- Greenville PD is actively investigating and reviewing video evidence.
- Public is urged to stay informed through official channels and avoid speculation.
Further updates will be provided as new details emerge.