Teen Arrested After Shots Fired in Summit Mall Parking Lot in Fairlawn

A juvenile suspect fired two rounds into the air during an altercation with other teens; no injuries were reported.

Fairlawn police arrested a 17-year-old male Friday afternoon after shots were fired in the parking lot of Summit Mall, prompting a brief lockdown of the shopping center and a multi-agency law enforcement response.

The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m., after the Summit Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls. Officers were immediately dispatched to the front parking lot of the mall.

Suspect Apprehended After Brief Foot Pursuit

Upon arrival, officers located the juvenile suspect, who attempted to flee on foot. He was apprehended following a brief pursuit and placed under arrest without further incident.

Preliminary investigation determined that an altercation had occurred between the suspect and another group of juveniles. During that confrontation, the suspect discharged approximately two gunshots into the air. Officers recovered spent shell casings and the suspect's firearm at the scene. No injuries were reported.

Mall Placed on Lockdown, Then Cleared

As a precautionary measure, Summit Mall was placed on lockdown while officers conducted a thorough search of the property. The mall was subsequently cleared and no additional threats were identified.

Multi-Agency Response

The Fairlawn Police Department acknowledged the following agencies for their assistance:

Akron Police Department
Bath Township Police Department
Copley Township Police Department
Summit Metro Parks Police Department
Summit County Sheriff's Office
Kent State University Police Department

The incident remains under investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Photo credit: Fairlawn Police Department Facebook page.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Around 3:00 p.m., the Summit Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired in the front parking lot of Summit Mall. Fairlawn police responded and arrested a 17-year-old male after a brief foot pursuit. Investigators determined the juvenile fired approximately two rounds into the air during an altercation with another group of teens. Officers recovered spent shell casings and the suspect's firearm at the scene. No injuries were reported.

Yes. As a precautionary measure, Summit Mall was placed on lockdown while officers conducted a thorough search of the property. The mall was subsequently cleared, and no additional threats were identified.

The Fairlawn Police Department was assisted by the Akron Police Department, Bath Township Police Department, Copley Township Police Department, Summit Metro Parks Police Department, Summit County Sheriff's Office, and Kent State University Police Department. The incident remains under investigation.