Crime & Safety
Armed Suspect Arrested At South Bay Mall: Cops
Authorities at about 4 p.m. received a report that a male suspect had streamed on social media about "shooting up" a mall, police said.
SAN JOSE, CA —An armed man who had posted on social media about plans for a mass shooting was arrested Wednesday afternoon at a South Bay mall, San Jose police said.
Authorities at about 4 p.m. received a report that a male suspect had streamed on social media about “shooting up” a mall, police said on Twitter.
Valley Fair suspect Hunter Tital. 21 years old, a resident of Seaside. Booked for numerous felony charges, including possession of an assault rifle and criminal threats. We are still investigating his motive. pic.twitter.com/eCc65VAN70
— San Jose Police Media Relations (@SJPD_PIO) February 4, 2021
The suspect, identified Thursday morning as 21-year-old Hunter Tital of Seaside, was quickly located at Valley Fair Mall and officers immediately responded there according to police.
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Tital, who had a “a very distinct appearance, including a loud hair color,” was arrested within 45 minutes of when the call came in according to police.
He was found in possession of an assault weapon, police said.
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Tital was arrested on suspicion of multiple felony charges including possession of an assault rifle and making criminal threats according to police.
No injuries were reported.
At approximately 4:00pm our department received information that a male suspect was streaming information on social media regarding ‘shooting up’ a mall. The suspects location was quickly tracked and he was found to be at the Valley Fair Mall. pic.twitter.com/djcQWp4kq9
— San Jose Police Media Relations (@SJPD_PIO) February 4, 2021
The Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office said on its Facebook page that it alerted the South Bay agency after it received a tip about the suspect.
"This is the definition of team work and we are proud to report that lives were saved because of it," the Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
"We would also like to thank the people who reported these threatening posts to authorities. Your actions saved lives."
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