Suspect Arrested in Shooting at North Star Mall
SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio police have apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for a shooting incident that occurred earlier this week at the renowned North Star Mall. Identified as Edwardo Sanchez, Jr, a 52-year-old individual, he now faces three charges of aggravated robbery.
According to law enforcement officials, Sanchez was part of a trio of shoplifters who targeted Macy’s on Halloween night. When confronted by security guards, he allegedly shot one of them, a 29-year-old woman, in the leg. The other two individuals managed to flee the scene while the guard was injured.
Reports indicate that Sanchez engaged in a struggle with the guards before brandishing a handgun and firing at the security personnel. After the altercation, he ran to the parking lot, temporarily discarded his coat and mask, and attempted to retrieve a set of car keys that had fallen during the scuffle. However, a witness who happened to be armed confronted Sanchez, prompting him to flee without the keys.
Police later discovered a vehicle in the parking lot, containing the jacket worn by Sanchez during the robbery, as well as a magazine for a semi-automatic handgun. This evidence, along with witness testimonies, helped investigators identify Sanchez as the shooter and secure an arrest warrant.
After being taken into custody early Friday morning, Sanchez reportedly confessed to the crime during police interrogation. Court records reveal that he has a criminal history dating back to 1988 and was out on bond for charges related to driving while intoxicated and drug possession at the time of the North Star Mall incident.
This shooting incident marks the third instance of gunfire-related incidents at the mall property in less than six months. In June, Adam Glass, 33, was fatally shot while inside a barbershop within the mall. A little over a month later, two individuals fleeing after committing a robbery resorted to shooting out a glass door to make their escape.
Lindsay Kahn, a spokeswoman for North Star Mall’s parent company, Brookfield Properties, referred to all three incidents as “isolated” and emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for the community. While noting that the company already has robust security measures in place in collaboration with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), she stated that they regularly evaluate and review security protocols.
When asked about potential plans for enhanced security measures like metal detectors, Kahn mentioned the existing partnership with SAPD but acknowledged the continuous evaluation of security practices.
As the investigation into the North Star Mall shooting continues, Macy’s and the San Antonio Police Department will provide further information.
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