BEACHWOOD, Ohio — U.S. Marshals have identified the man who eluded police during a shootout at Beachwood Place Mall on Thursday as 19-year-old Jaquan Jones.
Surveillance video captured Jones darting out of Saks Fifth Avenue after reportedly shoplifting.
When police confronted him in the parking lot, they say Jones got into a gray 2014 Nissan sedan stolen from Cleveland and ran over the foot of one of the officers, prompting the officer to fire his weapon.
Jones then escaped in the stolen car, which he ditched with a gun about four miles away in South Euclid. Police also believe that Jones forced his way into a home in the area, leaving prior to the arrival of officers.
The officer in the shooting has not been identified, but was treated and released from an area hospital and has been placed on administrative leave per department policy.
Thursday's incident was only the latest trouble for Beachwood Place Mall.
We checked and found a man has been shot in the parking lot every March for the past three years.
None of the shootings were fatal, while the victims—all men—knew their attackers, in disputes most often involving drugs.
The case last year on St. Patrick’s Day triggered fears of an active shooter, as shoppers hid in stores.
In 2016 right after Christmas, hundreds of teens stampeded, shutting down the mall in a disturbance organized on social media.
It prompted the toughest curfews in the area, with public safety officers soon checking ID’s at entrances.
Neither the mall nor Saks would comment on whether more changes are needed now, or what exactly Jaquan Jones did yesterday to initially capture their attention.
Investigators are reminding the public that if you see Jones, don’t approach him. He is believed to be injured. Also, providing any assistance to him at this point could result in criminal charges.
Anyone with information concerning Jaquan Jones can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833). You may also anonymously text in a tip by texting the keyword "WANTED" and your tip to TIP411 (847411), or you can send a web tip here.
Reward money is available and tipsters may remain anonymous.