x
Breaking News
More () »

19-year-old arrested in connection to MOA shooting released without charges

The St. Paul man was arrested late Sunday afternoon by Bloomington Police but was released the following Wednesday with no charges.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Editor's Note: The above video is from January 1, 2021. Some information may not be current:

A 19-year-old man arrested in connection to a shooting at the Mall of America was released Wednesday without being charged. He was originally arrested after two people were injured on New Year's Eve.

Authorities say the suspect was arrested around 4:50 p.m. Sunday for probable cause of aiding and abetting first-degree assault.

Investigators say the man was seen fleeing the mall on Dec. 31 with the alleged shooter. After he was arrested, the 19-year-old suspect was transported to the Bloomington Police Department for booking. 

Roseville Police and Ramsey County Sheriff's deputies helped with the arrest, which took place off Cleveland Avenue North in the City of Roseville.

According to the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, investigators believe the alleged shooter "acted independently," and there isn't enough evidence to prove the man intentionally aided and abetted the shooter.

Police say the alleged shooter and at least one of the victims appear to have a connection, and believe this was not a random shooting.

While the suspect was released with no charges, the alleged gunman, an 18-year-old from St. Paul who was arrested on Tuesday, is still in jail. Charges could come as soon as Thursday.

Officers arrived at the mall around 5 p.m. Sunday and responded along with MOA security guards after hearing a gunshot. 

The mall went into lockdown while first responders tended to two men who had been wounded. One was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment, while the second was treated and released at the scene.

WATCH: Two people shot inside Mall of America Friday:

Before You Leave, Check This Out