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San Jose police announce arrest in Black Friday triple-shooting at Valley Fair mall

Police in San Jose said a suspect has been arrested in connection with a triple shooting that took place at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall on Black Friday.

In a statement Monday, police announced that an arrest was made Sunday night and posted a picture of the suspect in handcuffs. During a press conference Monday afternoon, police said the suspect is a 17-year-old. 

Police Chief Paul Joseph said the teen was previously arrested in February for carrying and concealing a loaded firearm, and Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said he was probation at the time of the Black Friday shooting.

Rosen also said a 21-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of helping the teen escape and that she would be facing charges.

The DA identified her as the woman who was seen pushing a stroller in the surveillance video the night of the shooting. Rosen said she and the teen have a familial relationship but did not say the exact nature of their relationship. 

Around 5:40 p.m. Friday, officers were called to the mall on reports of a shooting. Three victims were located and were taken to a local hospital. Police said the victims' injuries were not life-threatening.

Following the shooting, police said initial information led them to believe the incident was gang-motivated. On Monday, they confirmed that it was gang-motivated. Joseph said the incident began when the suspect spotted someone whom he perceived to be a rival gang member. The suspect then opened fire, hitting his target and two bystanders. 

The mall reopened to shoppers on Saturday.

"Thank you to our officers who worked nonstop since Friday to make this arrest," Mayor Matt Mahan said on social media Monday.

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