Vancouver, Wash. – A terrifying incident unfolded at the Vancouver Mall when a man donned in a Joker mask opened fire in a crowded food court during a Halloween trick-or-treating event, leaving one dead and two injured, according to court documents released this week.
Authorities responded to emergency calls late Thursday night to find a chaotic scene at the mall’s second floor, with families and children seeking refuge from the gunfire. Among the victims was one fatally shot man and two others who had sustained less severe injuries.
Court records identified the deceased as James A. Perez, affectionately known as “Jahar” by his loved ones, who died from gunshot wounds at the scene. The shooting occurred at close range, with the assailant continuing to fire as Perez fell to the ground.
The two other victims, who were struck by either stray bullets or fragments, were treated at a local hospital. Brandon Leyrer, one of the injured, recounted the horrifying moments of the attack. “It was like everything paused when the shooting started, and once it resumed, there was just chaos, everyone scattering,” he said.
Surveillance video from the mall, reviewed by the police, captured the suspect tracking his victim while wearing distinctive blue track pants with white stripes and a black hoodie, before committing the crime. The assailant was later seen leaving the mall with two women and a child in princess attire.
In the aftermath, Leyrer shared the lingering impact, noting a bullet remains lodged in his torso, which might necessitate surgery.
Police swiftly utilized the footage to assist in identifying the shooter. Over the weekend, a woman contacted by authorities recognized herself and her group in circulated images. She revealed she was at the mall with her boyfriend, Travis Ward, and his mother, claiming unawareness of Ward’s violent actions.
The suspect, Travis Ward, 32, was taken into custody at his home in southeast Vancouver. However, he has not provided any statements regarding his motives or actions during the shooting.
The investigation continues as detectives piece together this tragic event that has shaken the local community, highlighting concerns about security measures during public celebrations like Halloween. Parents and children, who should have been enjoying a festive evening, found themselves caught in a nightmare scenario, prompting renewed discussions on public safety and incident prevention.