Lockdown lifted at Eden Prairie Mall; police say one dead, no ongoing danger to the public
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Updated: Aug. 23, 1:44 p.m.
Eden Prairie police Tuesday released more details about the shooting in a mall sporting goods store.
Police say a 19-year-old asked to see a semi-automatic handgun, ran to another part of the store to load the weapon before turning it on himself. Police have not identified the man who died.
The shooting on the second floor of the Scheels store forced the evacuation and lockdown of Eden Prairie Center mall Monday evening.
Police believe the man brought his own ammunition to the store. They are continuing to investigate.
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Authorities locked down the Eden Prairie Center mall on Monday night after a report of a gunshot fired in the building.
“Through our investigation we’ve determined this to be an isolated incident with a single self-inflicted gunshot wound," said Eden Prairie Police Chief Matt Sackett during a media briefing Monday.
He also announced the lockdown had been lifted at the mall but the Scheels store would remain closed as part of the investigation.
“It's obviously an active and fluid investigation but again, we do believe it to be an isolated incident. There is not a threat to anybody else in the public,” Sackett.
The mall’s Scheels store sells a variety of firearms, including handguns and long guns. Scheels didn't immediately respond to questions about the store's firearms or the security measures it uses regarding their storage or display.
Will Dammann was shopping in Scheels when he heard an alarm sound and a commotion near a door. Seconds later a store announcement told people to evacuate immediately.
"So then it was, you know, the hustle bustle of getting out. Then everyone was just standing out in front and that's when the police just started rolling in,” Dammann said. He said people seemed calm, including store employees. He did not hear a gunshot.
Joel Roen of Waconia was waiting anxiously in the parking lot outside Scheels while the lockdown was in place. He said his wife and 15-year-old daughter had gone to the mall to shop when his wife Sara called and told him that the mall was on lockdown, and they couldn't leave.
“You see this many cops here like this, you know it can't be good,” he said.
In an update posted to Twitter just after 8:30 p.m., police reported that officers “discovered one deceased adult male. The area has been secured. There is no danger to the public.”
Less than three weeks ago, Mall of America was placed on lockdown after gunfire inside that shopping center in Bloomington. No one was injured in that incident.
Minnesota activated a new three-digit phone code for mental heath crises in July. That number is 988 and is answered around the clock. People can also call that number for support for a family member or friend who they're concerned about.
MPR News reporter Jon Collins contributed to this report.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential phone & text crisis support. Call or text 988 to get started.
