Ontario Mills Mall Shooting: Juvenile Suspect Arrested After Gunfire Sparks Shopper Panic

A juvenile suspect was arrested after gunfire erupted inside Ontario Mills Mall in Ontario, California, on Friday evening, Nov. 13, triggering panic as shoppers fled through the shopping center’s concourse and food court. Police said no one was struck by the gunfire.

As of Saturday, the investigation remained ongoing, with authorities yet to establish what prompted the shooting or whether the suspect had a specific target. Police confirmed that the scene was contained and there was no continuing threat to the public.

Police Detail Shooting Location as Investigation Continues

The Ontario Police Department said officers responded to reports of shots fired at 7:07 p.m. Video circulating on social media showed crowds running through the food court and concourse as people attempted to leave the mall, and the footage captured shoppers fleeing the scene.

According to police, the gunfire occurred along the mall’s main concourse, near Dave & Buster’s and Burlington, rather than inside a specific store. A juvenile suspect was taken into custody at the scene. The police began receiving reports of gunfire shortly after 7:05 p.m. near the mall’s No. 5 entrance, and it also identified the person taken into custody as a male juvenile.

Investigators have not established how many shots were fired or who may have been the intended target,. Police have also not publicly confirmed a motive or whether a firearm was recovered. Authorities have not released the suspect’s age or identity or disclosed potential charges. They have also not indicated whether additional arrests are expected.

Previous Security Incidents at Ontario Mills Mall

The shooting follows other security-related incidents at the shopping center in recent years. In May 2023, shoppers fled Ontario Mills after a false report of an active shooter prompted a police response. Authorities later determined that no shooting had occurred. A 44-year-old man was arrested in connection with the false report.

In April 2026, the mall was evacuated and closed after multiple fires were deliberately set inside the shopping center. The Ontario Police Department subsequently announced the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect in connection with the fires.

According to the department’s official news release, police and fire crews responded to reports of multiple fires before officers took the suspect into custody. The Ontario Police Department has not provided a timeline for releasing further information about the juvenile suspect or the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Investigators are continuing to examine the incident.