Authorities Announce Seven Arrests After Fight and Gunfire Scare at Willowbrook Mall

Police say a single shot was fired during a food-court brawl; no injuries reported

WAYNE, N.J. — Authorities say seven people — including three juveniles — have now been arrested following a fight and a single gunshot that triggered panic and a major police response at Willowbrook Mall late last month.

What happened

Wayne police said officers were dispatched at about 7:03 p.m. on Dec. 30, 2025 after reports of a fight and a shot fired inside the mall’s food court, where witnesses described a chaotic scene as people ran from the area.

Investigators later determined the altercation led to one shot being fired. Police said they did not locate any shooting victims.

Initial detentions, then more arrests

On the night of the incident, police detained two 18-year-olds and a 17-year-old, after a witness identified them as involved and surveillance video later supported their involvement, authorities said.

Police said three additional suspects — including the person believed to have fired the shot — initially fled. After additional surveillance review and witness interviews, authorities executed search warrants on Jan. 9, 2026, leading to additional arrests and the recovery of a stolen handgun, according to police accounts reported by multiple outlets.

Charges reported

Authorities have publicly described a wide range of charges tied to the incident. Reported charges include inciting a public brawl, disorderly conduct, simple assault, and for others riot involving a firearm, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, risking widespread injury, as well as receiving stolen property, possession of a large-capacity magazine, and hindering apprehension.

Because several suspects are juveniles, names were not fully released in all reporting.

Multi-agency investigation

Authorities said multiple agencies assisted in the response and investigation, including the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, alongside local and federal partners.

Mall status

Officials said there was no ongoing threat after the incident, and the mall was expected to resume normal operations the next day.