Teen killed in ‘targeted’ shooting at Florence mall and suspects on the loose, police say

FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — A teenager was killed after being the victim of a ‘targeted’ shooting at Florence’s Magnolia Mall, and police are looking for multiple suspects, Chief Alan Heidler said on Sunday.

“We determined that there were three teenagers who did not live in Florence that were in the parking lot and were targeted in what we believe to be an isolated incident,” he said a City Hall news conference. “Our investigation is ongoing. I can tell you there were a number of people who were out there and saw what happened.”

Authorities said their initial investigation revealed two people clad in masks approached the victim’s vehicle, with at least one of them firing an “unknown” number of shots.

The victim’s name was not immediately released, but Heidler said he “succumbed” to injuries despite efforts by a Florence County sheriff’s deputy and EMS crews to save his life.

Authorities got to the mall around 3 p.m., and city police, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol units worked quickly to secure the building and evacuate all patrons.

Heidler said officials don’t believe there’s any threat to the public. They’ll interview mall employees and review surveillance footage as part of the investigation.

Also Sunday, police said they’re looking for a gold, early 2000 model Ford Escape believe to be connected with the gunmen.

“For me, it’s frustrating to have to come before the public because someone has once again chosen to pick up a gun,” Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin said. “One of the things that we need is for more of our homes and our parents to be engaged in what their children are doing and look for signs that may led their children int he wrong direction. As a community, as an individual, we can work together to prevent this from happening.”

Anyone with information is asked to the department’s anonymous tip line at (843) 665-3191.