Sioux Falls Police Arrest Man After Empire Mall Parking Lot Shooting

The Empire Mall in Sioux Falls took a frightening turn Tuesday night, July 21, after multiple people reported hearing gunshots in the parking lot.

Social media was abuzz with posts from people trying to figure out what had happened. Before long, Sioux Falls Police confirmed that reports of gunfire were legitimate, although fortunately, the incident ended without anyone being injured.

According to Dakota News Now, officers began receiving numerous 911 calls around 7:10 PM from people who said they heard what sounded like gunshots coming from the Empire Mall parking lot.

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Witnesses told police they saw two males involved in an altercation that escalated when a handgun was fired. Moments later, both individuals reportedly got into a vehicle and left the area before officers arrived.

One witness captured the incident on their phone and shared the video with investigators. That footage helped authorities identify the vehicle involved and obtain descriptions of the two suspects. Officers also recovered a shell casing from the gun in the parking lot.

Using traffic cameras monitored through the Sioux Falls Police Department's Real Time Information Center, investigators tracked the suspect vehicle across the city. Around 9:00 PM, officers located it near West Russell Street and North Kiwanis Avenue.

Police detained two individuals who matched the witness descriptions. During the investigation, officers also discovered a handgun that matched the caliber of the shell casing recovered at the Empire Mall.

Authorities arrested 21-year-old Jaivon Smith of Little Rock, Arkansas, who was booked into the Minnehaha County Jail on charges of Reckless Discharge of a Firearm and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor.

The second person involved in the incident was identified as a juvenile.

Despite the alarming situation, no injuries or property damage were reported.

The investigation is still underway, and anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Sioux Falls Police Department.

10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Dakota

Cities on the east and west side of the Missouri River have made the latest list of South Dakota's Most Dangerous Cities for 2021.

Roadsnacks recently released its most 'Dangerous Cities' list and here in The Mount Rushmore state there are a few surprises, especially at the top. To determine the most dangerous cities in the state, Roadsnacks looked at the FBI's report on the latest violent crime, along with property crime statistics.

And surprisingly, the town with the most murders per capita in the state has less than 3,000 residents. Take a look at the list below.

For a look at the detailed list, visit roadsnacks.com Story Source: Roadsncaks

Source: Gunshot At Empire Mall Parking Lot Leads To Arrest Hours Later