A 17-year-old has been charged as an adult after a 13-year-old boy was shot inside Westfield Wheaton Mall in Maryland.
US News
A 17-year-old has been charged as an adult after police say a 13-year-old boy was shot inside Westfield Wheaton Mall in Montgomery County, Maryland, near a children’s play area.
According to Montgomery County Police, officers responded to reports of gunfire at the shopping mall Friday evening. Investigators say the suspect, identified as Diego Rafael Turcios Avalos of Silver Spring, allegedly stood up near a Cinnabon restaurant, pulled out a handgun, and fired several rounds toward a group of teenagers.
A 13-year-old boy was struck in the ankle near the mall’s children’s play area. Officers immediately provided emergency medical aid, including applying a tourniquet, before the victim was transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities said the injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Police said the suspect attempted to flee toward a Dick’s Sporting Goods store, where an armed security officer confronted and detained him until officers arrived. Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene.
Turcios Avalos has been charged as an adult with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, use of a firearm during a violent felony, carrying a loaded handgun, and additional firearm-related offenses. He remains in custody pending a bond hearing.
Authorities said surveillance video played a key role in the investigation, and detectives continue to review evidence to determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
The incident caused panic among shoppers, with emergency calls reporting an active shooter inside the mall. Police later confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public after the suspect was taken into custody.
The investigation remains active, and anyone with additional information is urged to contact Montgomery County Police.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more confirmed information becomes available.
Quick Facts
Location: Westfield Wheaton Mall, Montgomery County, Maryland
Victim: 13-year-old boy
Suspect: Diego Rafael Turcios Avalos, 17
Incident: Mall shooting near children’s play area
Victim’s Condition: Non-life-threatening injuries
Charges: Attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and multiple firearm offenses
Status: Suspect in custody; investigation ongoing
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Westfield Wheaton Mall?
Police say a 17-year-old allegedly opened fire inside the mall, injuring a 13-year-old boy near a children’s play area.
Was the victim seriously injured?
The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the ankle and was hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Who was arrested?
Police identified the suspect as 17-year-old Diego Rafael Turcios Avalos, who has been charged as an adult.
How was the suspect caught?
An armed security officer detained the suspect near Dick’s Sporting Goods until police arrived.
Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. Detectives continue reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence while the case moves through the legal process.
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