South Portland, Maine — Chaos erupted at the Maine Mall in South Portland when a shooting inside a mall restroom left one person injured and prompted an extensive manhunt for the juvenile suspect. The incident, which occurred in the early afternoon, sent shoppers and employees scrambling for safety as law enforcement swarmed the scene in search of the shooter.

Incident Timeline: What We Know So Far

According to the South Portland Police Department, officers responded to a distress call reporting gunfire inside the mall. Witnesses reported hearing at least four gunshots echoing through the building, with some initially mistaking the sounds for fireworks or construction noise. However, panic quickly set in as mall-goers realized the severity of the situation.

Authorities have confirmed that the shooting was an isolated event that took place inside a men’s restroom near a store or food court location. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect and the victim were involved in a confrontation prior to the shooting, but officials have yet to confirm whether they knew each other.

The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was found with at least three gunshot wounds and was immediately transported to Maine Medical Center. Their current condition remains unknown, though law enforcement sources indicate they are undergoing emergency medical treatment.

Ongoing Manhunt: Juvenile Suspect Still at Large

A massive law enforcement operation is currently underway to locate the suspect, who authorities have identified as a juvenile male. The suspect reportedly fled the scene on foot, prompting officers to secure exit points and launch a perimeter search around the mall and surrounding areas.

Search efforts include:

• Multiple city, state, and federal agencies working in coordination.
• FBI SWAT teams conducting tactical sweeps.
• K-9 units tracking the suspect’s potential escape route.
• Surveillance footage analysis to trace the suspect’s movements.
• Public assistance requests, urging anyone with information to come forward.

The suspect was last seen wearing specific clothing and is considered armed and dangerous. Officials warn that anyone who spots the suspect should not approach him but immediately contact authorities.

Eyewitness Accounts: Panic, Fear, and Confusion

Shoppers and employees inside the Maine Mall described a scene of terror as news of the shooting spread through the building. Many fled toward emergency exits, while others sought shelter inside stores and stockrooms.

Emily Carter, a cashier at a nearby store, recounted the chilling moment she realized something was wrong:

“I heard these really loud pops, maybe three or four, and then suddenly, people started screaming. My manager locked the doors, and we all ran to the back room. It was the scariest moment of my life.”

Another witness, Tom Henderson, who had been shopping at the time, said he saw people running in all directions:

“I was just walking past the food court when I heard shouting. Within seconds, security guards started yelling for everyone to get down or leave the building. I grabbed my son and ran toward the parking lot.”

Mall Security Response and Law Enforcement Coordination

The Maine Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the state, has a comprehensive security system in place. However, it remains unclear how the suspect managed to enter the building with a firearm.

Following the shooting, mall security teams worked alongside police to clear the premises, ensuring there was no further immediate threat. The FBI’s tactical response teams have also been conducting sweeps of the exterior and surrounding wooded areas to determine whether the suspect may still be hiding nearby.

Authorities Assure Public: No Ongoing Threat, But Investigation Continues

Despite the shocking nature of the attack, law enforcement officials have assured the public that there is no continued threat to the Maine Mall area. However, they continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Police Chief addressed the media, stating:

“This was not a random act of violence, and we are working diligently to bring the suspect into custody as soon as possible. Our officers, alongside state and federal partners, are conducting an exhaustive search to ensure public safety.”

Community Reaction: Fear and Calls for Action

The shooting has reignited concerns about gun violence in public spaces, particularly among parents and families who frequent the mall.

Local resident and mother of three, Samantha Bell, expressed her worries:

“My kids and I were just at the mall last weekend. It’s terrifying to think that something like this can happen so close to home. We need stricter security and better measures to prevent this kind of thing.”

Investigation and Legal Implications

Authorities have yet to release details about a possible motive, but they are reviewing:

• Surveillance footage from the mall’s cameras.
• Witness statements to determine the events leading up to the shooting.
• Potential gang affiliations or past criminal history of the suspect, if applicable.

If arrested, the juvenile suspect could face charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and reckless endangerment. Prosecutors may also consider trying the suspect as an adult, depending on the severity of the case.

What’s Next?

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the South Portland Police Department or report tips anonymously through a crime tip line or website.

Meanwhile, the Maine Mall is expected to remain closed until further notice as forensic teams gather evidence.