An Indiana man, whom police have dubbed the “Good Samaritan,” shot and killed an active shooter suspect at the Greenwood Park Mall in Greenwood, Indiana, on Sunday at around 6 p.m.
The lone suspect killed three people and injured two others before being shot and killed by the “Good Samaritan” in the July 17 incident, Fox News reported.
“Investigators are still questioning the individual involved, but it appears that a ‘Good Samaritan’ that was armed observed the shooting in progress and shot the shooter,” said Greenwood Police Chief Jim Ison. “I’m going to tell you, the real hero of the day was the citizen that was lawfully carrying a firearm in the food court and was able to stop the shooter almost as soon as he began.”
Police would only identify the “Good Samaritan” as a 22-year-old man from Bartholomew County. The man had a valid gun permit but was in breach of mall policy.
Simon Property Group, the mall’s owner, states in its code of conduct that no weapons are permitted in its shopping centers. The policy was last updated in April 2020.
Nevertheless, on Monday morning, a mall spokesperson issued a statement, in part expressing gratitude for the citizen who took action.
“We grieve for the victims of yesterday’s horrific tragedy at Greenwood Park Mall,” the statement read. “Violence has no place in this or any other community. We are grateful for the strong response of the first responders, including the heroic actions of the ‘Good Samaritan’ who stopped the suspect.”
Ison confirmed no explosive devices were found at the mall — which had been a concern — and said local SWAT, Indiana State Police, the Greenwood Police Department, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department worked together to clear the mall after the incident.
“Johnson County Sheriff’s Department and FBI evidence collection teams are just now beginning the process of entering the crime scene to process for evidence and get more answers to this senseless tragedy,” Ison said at last night’s press briefing.
The Greenwood Mall was still closed on the morning of July 18 as police continue the investigation.
“As of now, we do not know the shooter’s identity or motive. We do know that someone we are calling the ‘Good Samaritan’ was able to shoot the assailant and stop further bloodshed,” Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers said, according to Fox News. “This person saved lives tonight. On behalf of the City of Greenwood, I am grateful for his quick action and heroism in this situation.”
“This isn’t something that we have seen here in Greenwood before,” Chief Ison noted at yesterday’s press briefing. “It’s it is absolutely horrendous, and our thoughts and prayers are with those loved ones hurting tonight.”
Ison added that another press conference was scheduled for Monday, July 18.