Three wounded in shooting at a mall in Chula Vista
SAN DIEGO — Three people were wounded Saturday night in a shooting at a Chula Vista shopping mall, police said.
According to the Chula Vista Police Department, several calls came in around 7:15 p.m. reporting of shots fired at Novo Brazil, located in the Otay Ranch Town Center.
Several Chula Vista police officers responded to the scene along with officers from the San Diego and National City Police Departments. The mall was immediately locked down while officers secured the scene and searched for victims.
‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry dead at 54: reports
Three gunshot victims were located, and all were transported to hospitals with non-life threatening injuries, police said.
The lockdown was lifted after officers determined there was not an active shooter.
“Initial indications are that the shooting was not an active shooter and was not random,” CVPD said, adding that there was reportedly a dispute between two groups.
There is believed to be one shooting suspect who fled with a small group prior to officers arriving, police said. This individual remains on the loose. Police did not provide any suspect information.
Police said there no longer appeared to be an active threat to the mall or nearby neighborhoods.
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this case, or who can provide additional evidence, is asked to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
NOVO Brazil Brewing Company Founder Tiago Carneiro released the following statement regarding the incident:
“There was a shooting incident last night at Otay Ranch Town Center with alleged participants eventually entering NOVO Brazil Brewing Company. One NOVO employee sustained a minor injury as a result of debris. One NOVO patron was struck by a bullet as an innocent bystander. We are grateful that both injuries are not life threatening, and we are praying for speedy recoveries.
We have operated without any major incidents since our opening in 2019. This was an isolated incident between two groups of people that happened to occur near NOVO, and it eventually spilled into our restaurant. Participants of the incident were not our customers.
We will be open for business today by 11:00 a.m. for those looking to cheer on their favorite NFL team in a warm and welcoming environment. We are, and always will be, a family-friendly community gathering point for Chula Vista residents and others from around San Diego County. Otay Ranch Town Center security is always nearby and will be conducting its normal operations to help keep patrons safe.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego.