Four youth charged in weapon scare at Park Place Mall

There was a scare that occurred at Lethbridge’s Park Place Mall on August 28th after a confrontation between groups of youth resulted in an airsoft weapon reportedly being discharged in public. Lethbridge Police responded to multiple 911 calls shortly after 5:30pm of youths running through the mall, with one youth initially believed to be brandishing a firearm.

Investigators believe after reviewing CCTV footage, that one group of two youth witnessed the arrival of the second pair at the food court. The first group immediately began pursuing them in a brief foot chase, before one of the boys in the pursued group pulled out what appeared to be a firearm. Witnesses report they heard the weapon, which is now confirmed to be an airsoft pistol, clicking multiple times.

This caused patrons and families to take cover under tables and structures, others shielding children. When police arrived, they quickly found and arrested the four youth with help from mall security.

Police say they were able to arrest four teenage boys and charge them with multiple criminal offences.

The following have been charged:

A 14-year-old male, of Cardston, who cannot be identified, is charged with:

Use of imitation firearm

Pointing a firearm

Possession of an offensive weapon dangerous to the public

Carrying a concealed weapon

Committing a common nuisance

Causing bodily harm with intent

Mischief – obstruct lawful use of property

A 14-year-old male, of Cardston, who cannot be identified, is charged with:

Carrying a concealed weapon

Causing a disturbance

Mischief – obstruct lawful use of property

A 13-year-old male, of Lethbridge, who cannot be identified, is charged with:

Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm

Causing a disturbance

Mischief – obstruct lawful use of property

A 15-year-old male, of Lethbridge, who cannot be identified, is charged with:

Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm

Causing a disturbance

Mischief – obstruct lawful use of property

While police haven’t located anyone with injuries, CCTV footage reportedly shows a woman clutching her arm as if she was struck by a projectile. Lethbridge a police are asking for the woman and anyone else who might’ve been injured to come forward. Other witnesses with cell phone footage are also asked to come forward.

Police are asking if you were a witness, or might’ve been injured or have footage of the event, LPS would like you to call their non-emergency line at 403-328-4444.

The youth can’t be named under youth criminal justice rules. They are released from custody with conditions including no contact with each other and a prohibition from attending the mall and possessing weapons. They’ll all appear in court on September the 23rd.