Man throws 5-year-old from third floor balcony of Mall of America, gets arrested for attempted murder
A 24-year-old man allegedly threw or pushed a five-year-old child from a third-floor balcony at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, on Friday, shared the police.
Witness Brian Johnson spoke about the child’s mother, saying: "She was screaming, ‘Everyone pray, everyone pray. Oh my God, my baby, someone threw him over the edge'," reported local TV station, WCCO. According to the Pioneer Press, Bloomington Police Chef Jeff Potts told reporters that the child and the suspect didn't know each other and the police are “actively trying to figure out why this occurred".
"The Bloomington Police Department is investigating an incident at the Mall of America today," posted the police department's official Twitter account adding that "A five-year-old child suffered injuries and is at the hospital now. A press conference will happen outside the north entrance at 12.15 pm next to the security vehicle. Thank you." The child was reportedly found in a pool of blood after he landed, and the area where the fall occurred has been closed off for now.
The accused is currently in custody and has been identified as Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda by Bloomington Police, stating that he has been arrested on a charge of attempted homicide. Police revealed that witnesses mentioned how the child had landed on the first level and the suspect immediately made a run for it, before being apprehended by the police, who then proceeded to take him into custody at the transit station of the mall.
Officers responded to the incident at 10.17 am on Friday, and in a statement released on Friday afternoon, the mall’s management addressed the shocking incident. "Earlier today, Mall of America security was notified of an incident involving a child falling from one of the upper floors. Mall Security responded immediately as well as the Bloomington Police Department. Emergency Services were notified and responded as well. The child was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital. Bloomington Police is investigating the incident," read the statement. "The child did suffer significant injuries," said the police chief, according to CNN. "The child has been transported to the hospital and has been receiving care."
According to Daily Mail, the mall's statement also added: "This was a senseless act and words cannot truly express our profound shock and sadness," the Mall of America said in a statement on Friday. "Our immediate and only concern is for the wellbeing of the family and the child, as well as for any individuals who may have witnessed the incident. We have counseling services available for anyone who may need assistance. We know that this is a concerning event for all of us. As the Bloomington Police Department continues to investigate how and why this isolated incident happened, we will provide our full cooperation."