A suspect is currently at large following a shooting involving teenagers at Southland Center Mall in Taylor. According to Lt. Frank Canning of the Taylor Police, the situation unfolded last Saturday evening around 6:45 p.m. when a 17-year-old reportedly discharged a firearm during a confrontation with approximately six teens in the parking lot, striking a 19-year-old resident in the hand. The Detroit News quoted Canning as saying, "The victim is going to make a full recovery. The incident took place in the parking lot and we're working this morning on tracking down the whereabouts of the 17-year-old."

The incident reportedly did not prompt a lockdown at the mall, leaving many confused and concerned. "That’s crazy and the fact that I even have to worry about my kid working here and something like this happening it’s horrible," a parent, Crystal Fielder, whose 17-year-old daughter works at the mall, described to Local 4. In light of the event, police are urgently seeking to gather information on the suspect's whereabouts and called for public assistance.

The wounded teen managed to walk into the mall after being shot in the wrist to find help, as noted by WWJ Newsradio 950. Meanwhile, Sgt. Wojtowicz told Local 4, "A group of juveniles had an altercation in the parking lot and that stemmed into gunfire."

The search for the suspect comes amidst a string of gun-related incidents in Michigan, though no connection has been suggested. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Taylor Police at 734-287-6611 to aid in the ongoing investigation. The rising instances of violence in the area have echoed a worrisome trend, with Michigan State Police data citing 1,126 non-fatal shootings in 2023, a statistic bringing to the forefront the urgency of addressing gun violence across the state.