The Flint Township Police made the following statement Sunday in regards to a shooting that occurred at Genesee Valley Center on Saturday afternoon, July 18.
“Yesterday afternoon, Flint Township officers were dispatched to the Genesee Valley Mall following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located an 18-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately rendered aid, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The preliminary investigation indicates this was an isolated, targeted incident involving individuals who are known to one another. There is no indication this was a random act of violence or that members of the public were targeted.
Investigators have also determined that the circumstances leading to this incident were specific to the individuals involved and occurred in the parking lot. No shots were fired inside the mall. While the shooting occurred on mall property, there is no evidence the Genesee Valley Mall, its tenants, employees, shoppers, or visitors were the intended target. Likewise, any nearby businesses shown in news coverage were not the intended target in this incident and should not be associated with the actions of those responsible.
Unfortunately, when individuals choose to resolve personal disputes with gun violence, innocent businesses, employees, customers, and the surrounding community are affected. The location became the scene of this crime, but it was not the cause of it.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Flint Township Police Department or Crime Stoppers of Flint & Genesee County
We appreciate the cooperation of the Genesee Valley Mall, surrounding businesses, witnesses and first responders as officers quickly secured the scene and began their investigation.”
