A routine last Saturday at Southland Center turned tense when a shopper had a gun pulled on them during an armed robbery, sending witnesses scrambling and leaving Taylor police searching for a suspect. The confrontation was brief but jarring, with the gunman threatening a customer before taking off from the Downriver mall before officers could get there. Police say it was one of two robberies reported at the shopping center that same day.
Investigators are asking for the public's help in tracking down the suspect, who was captured on mall video during the incident, according to CBS News Detroit. The footage reportedly shows the suspect pulling a firearm in the middle of the theft, and detectives are hoping shoppers who were in the area will share any tips or phone video that might help fill in the gaps.
Mall's Recent Safety Incidents
Southland Center has seen its share of trouble in recent years. In March 2025, a 19-year-old was shot in the wrist at the mall, as reported by Local 4. The mall has also turned up in coverage of smash-and-grab thefts and other retail crimes, incidents that WXYZ has documented over time. Together, those cases highlight how tricky it can be for law enforcement and security to keep a busy regional shopping hub safe when weekend crowds are at their peak.
Police Ask Witnesses To Step Forward
Taylor police are urging anyone who saw either of the reported robberies or who recorded what happened on their phones to reach out to investigators and hang on to any video, CBS News Detroit reported. Southland Center is listed at 23000 Eureka Road in Taylor, and detectives say even brief clips or small details could help move the investigation forward. Anyone with tips or relevant footage is asked to contact the Taylor police.
