Beachwood Place cordoned off after officer opens fire at suspect in parking lot

BEACHWOOD, Ohio (WOIO) - Beachwood Place was cordoned off Thursday after an officer opened fire at a shoplifting suspect in the mall’s parking lot, just north of Saks Fifth Avenue.

According to Beachwood Police Chief Gary Haba, the suspect was fleeing the scene in a stolen car when the shots rang out. Officers chased the driver to South Euclid, where he ditched the car and fled on foot. A gun was found close by.

A mall vendor tells 19 News she was in her car when she saw and heard the shots fired. Her children ducked for cover and she drove off.

Concerned shoppers we spoke with are wondering why the officer opened fire. Chief Haba said one likely scenario was the suspect may have tried to run an officer down with his car,but will let BCI investigators piece together that information.

The suspect is still on the run. One officer sustained a minor injury, but no one else was hurt.

Police aren’t sure whether or not the officer shot the suspect.

Authorities released a photo of the suspect Thursday evening:

Return to 19 News for updates on this developing story.

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