A Boston man was charged with the shooting of a 15-year-old girl on Friday afternoon at South Shore Plaza in Braintree, officials said in a statement Saturday morning.
José Rodríguez, 21, faces multiple charges including assault on murder, assault and battery for firearm discharge, assault and battery on a child with substantial injuries and reckless danger of a child, according to the statement.
He is being held without bail and is expected to be tried in the Quincy District Court by video.
A second suspect, who was arrested with Rodriguez on Friday near the mall, was released, but police say additional charges can still be filed, according to the statement.
South Shore Plaza was closed at 4:45 pm Friday when the shooting was reported. The tactical units arrived on the scene soon after, and the mall was cleared around 7:15 p.m., when the two suspects were arrested. The surrounding neighborhoods were also told to take refuge on the spot until the arrests were made.
Police described the shooting Saturday as “an act of violence between two groups,” rather than an active shooter situation.
The 15-year-old girl was a bystander, and her injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
“I would like to thank each and every person who responded for helping us tonight; The Braintree Police Department is incredibly grateful and proud of the strong partnerships we have at the local and regional levels, “Braintree Police Chief Mark Dubois said in a statement Thursday.
Felicia Gans can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @FeliciaGans.
