Following the shooting at Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo County on Wednesday, January 19, which left one man wounded in the parking lot, the San Mateo County Police Department (SMPD) reported that after a quick investigation, four men were linked to the case, all of whom were only 16 years old.
Last Wednesday, January 19 at 5:34 p.m., the San Mateo Police Department received several calls indicating that someone had been shot at Hillsdale Mall.
When officers arrived on scene, they were directed in front of the Macy's store and taken to the adjacent parking lot, where they located a 20-year-old male San Mateo resident suffering from a gunshot wound.
Officers immediately provided first aid and crowd control until medics arrived and transported the victim to a local trauma center for treatment. He is currently in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive, authorities said in a statement issued at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
During the initial investigation, it was determined that the victim was shot in the parking lot and the suspects fled prior to police arrival.
Multiple witnesses were able to provide officers with descriptions of the possible persons involved.
"In addition to witness statements, the parking lot was processed for evidence and we worked collaboratively with Hillsdale Shopping Center to obtain security footage," the SMPD noted.
He also noted that, with quick and efficient work, detectives were able to identify several people related to the incident.
"Their investigation led to the arrest of four juveniles today. Search warrants were written and SMPD detectives/officers, with the assistance of the Belmont Police Department and the San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force (NTF) and Gang Intelligence Unit (GIU), were able to execute the warrants and locate evidence linking the four to this incident," he stressed.
The juveniles were booked into Hillcrest Juvenile Detention Center on various charges.
The investigation continues, as the motive, possible additional suspects and any associated crimes are still being investigated.
In light of what happened, the SMPD asked anyone who was at Hillsdale Mall on Wednesday, Jan. 19 between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and who believes they may have information that could be helpful to the investigation to contact San Mateo Police Detective Sergeant Paul Pak at (650) 522-7660 or by emailing ppak@ciudaddesanmateo.org.
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