Denton mall shooting stemmed from drug deal, police say
A shooting in the parking lot of the Golden Triangle Mall in Denton on Thursday night evidently was sparked by a drug buy turned robbery, police said.
“Denton police feel confident the shooting was directly related to the drug deal and not a random criminal act toward Golden Triangle Mall patrons,” the department said in a news release late Thursday.
Officers responded to a 911 call at 7:14 p.m. about a shooting in the northeast parking lot of the mall, at 2201 S. Interstate 35E.
A 22-year-old man who had been shot in the face was taken to Denton Regional Medical Center, police said. His injury was not thought to be life-threatening.
After interviews with the man and several witnesses, investigators believe the man and the gunman met for a drug deal.
“During the exchange, the suspect attempted to rob the victim, at which time the victim was shot by the suspect,” the release states.
The investigation is continuing, police said.
Deanna Boyd: 817-390-7655, @deannaboyd
This story was originally published October 9, 2015 at 9:29 AM with the headline "Denton mall shooting stemmed from drug deal, police say."