Chaos ensued in Maryland's Harford Mall, which quickly escalated to a children's birthday party shooting. A manhunt for the suspect on the run has now been launched by the arthritis.
On Sunday afternoon, at the Harford Bounce Party Place located within the Harford Mall, a celebratory occasion turned violent when a shooting erupted during a child's birthday party.
According to Bel Air Police Chief Charles Moore, a physical altercation between two females escalated, leading 35-year-old Wesley Larry Lyons Jr. to pull out a gun and shoot a 42-year-old man three times.
The victim, who remains unnamed, sustained two gunshot wounds to the leg and one to the hand. Fortunately, medical professionals were able to save the victim and airlift him to a Baltimore hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.
Shooting at Children's Birthday Party
After the said altercation in a bounce house, police authorities identified the prime suspect as Lyons Jr. With that, an arrest warrant has been issued for Lyons Jr., charging him with first-degree attempted murder, assault, and reckless endangerment, among other potential crimes.
The suspect has not been detained by the police, however, a significant reward of $2,000 is now being offered for any information leading to his apprehension.
The Bel Air Police Chief emphasized the seriousness of the situation, calling Lyons Jr.'s actions cowardly. He is believed to be armed and dangerous, and a multi-agency task force, including the ATF and US Marshals Service, is actively searching for him. Police authorities suspect that Lyons Jr. may have fled the area.
Furthermore, while the search for Lyons Jr. continues, authorities have made progress on the case.
Two Women Were Arrested as Accomplices
Police located the suspect's car near his Edgewood residence and apprehended two women - Lisa Gregg, believed to be Lyons Jr.'s mother, and Lateia Green, his alleged girlfriend. Both women were charged with accessory attempted murder for allegedly aiding Lyons Jr. in his escape. They are currently being held without bond at the Harford County Detention Center.
On the other hand, the charging documents reveal Gregg and Green were present during the altercation and fled the scene with Lyons Jr. in his vehicle. Authorities believe they may have played a crucial role in concealing his whereabouts.
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Community Reeling After Mall Shooting
The shooting at Harford Mall has sent shockwaves through the community. Shoppers expressed fear and concern for the future of the shopping center.
"This wasn't even something I considered a possibility," said shopper Anne Marie Gillespie Shaw, echoing the sentiments of many. "It's terrifying to think this could happen anywhere, even at a child's birthday party."
The Bel Air Police are urging the public for any witness or any person with information regarding Lyons Jr.'s whereabouts to come forward. They emphasize that there is no immediate threat to the public, but caution that Lyons Jr. should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bel Air Police Department at 410-638-4500. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Metro Crimestoppers tipline at 866-7LockUp.
