A police chase involving two juveniles in a suspected stolen car led to a lockdown at Foothills Mall in Maryville yesterday. The Maryville Police Department (MPD) reported that they received information around 3:30 p.m. about a car stolen by two teens from a Kentucky military academy, as reported by WVLT News.
The chase began when the teens were spotted traveling on US Highway 411 South and failed to halt for police officers, leading to the pursuit that concluded in BJ’s Wholesale Club’s parking lot. In their account of the incident, MPD, cited that, information had suggested the teens might have been armed, prompting a significant response from local agencies, including the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, to support MPD efforts in locating the teens at the mall, as detailed by WATE.
The two individuals, aged 16 and 17, were later discovered hiding in a fitting room at the mall, unarmed, and taken into custody without further incident. Officials quickly reassured the public that there was no imminent danger following the apprehension of the suspects. "The scene is now secure and there is no imminent danger to the public, and the mall is opened to patrons at this time," MPD confirmed the statement, which was also reported by WBIR.
After the security incident, management at Foothills Mall expressed gratitude towards the security team and law enforcement for their swift action, stating, "We would also like to thank our tenants for quickly securing their stores to protect both their employees and customers." The mall emphasized its commitment to safety and maintaining a secure environment in a statement released after the mall lockdown had been lifted, highlighting the collaborative effort with mall security and local police to ensure such, assured by WBIR.
The Harlan City Police Department in Kentucky clarified that the teens had run away from a military school in Harlan County and stolen the vehicle from a local car dealership. The incident at Foothills Mall ended with no injuries.
