UNION GAP, Wash. – UPDATE. DEC. 20. The suspect in the shooting at the Valley Mall on Dec. 18, is now in custody.
Union Gap Police announced via social media that the male suspect, who had been at-large since wounding a loss prevention officer at Macy’s, is in custody as of Dec. 20.
Dec. 19 4:41 p.m.
The Union Gap Police Department is searching for witnesses who assisted the loss prevention officer before or after the shooting.
Witnesses are asked to call 509-248-0430 to speak with detectives.
UPDATE 9:22 p.m.
According to a press release from the Union Gap Police Department, the male suspect is described as being 25 to 30 years old, Caucasian or Hispanic and has slicked back hair with a possible ponytail.
The suspect was wearing a dark-colored jacket and black pants and had a teardrop tattoo below his eyes. He was last seen running eastbound from the mall.
The loss prevention officer who was shot sustained non-life threatening injuries and was shot in the wrists.
UPDATE 8:24 p.m.
The Union Gap Police Department posted pictures of the shooting suspect on Facebook.
UGPD says the suspect is armed and dangerous and call detectives at 509-248-0430 if you identify him.
UPDATE 7:35 p.m.
According to Union Gap Police Department Chief Greg Cobb, the heavy police presence was due to a shooting related to a theft at Macy’s.
Cobb says the suspect was stealing merchandise at around 6:15 p.m. on Monday.
A loss prevention officer attempted to apprehend the suspect and a fight broke out. The thief reportedly pulled out a concealed handgun and shot the officer twice then fled through the northeastern doors.
Cobb notes that this is not an active shooting.
The suspect’s location and what they stole is unknown. An investigation is ongoing.
Cobb says more information will be available Tuesday morning.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE
According to a NonStop Local reporter on scene, there is currently heavy police presence at Macy’s at the Valley Mall in Union Gap.
Official information is very limited at this time. Check back on this article for updates.
This is a developing story, which means information could change. We are working to report timely and accurate information as we get it.
