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Eric Ronaldo Benitez, 22, of Manassas, is in custody, and 18-year-old Woodbridge resident Tayvion Omari Thornton is wanted after being identified for their roles in the shooting that left two injured.
Officers were called to the 8300 block of Sudley Road at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, where there was a reported dispute that is believed to have started in the parking lot between two groups, when shots were fired and the parties separated.
"At one point during the encounter, shots were fired, and the parties dispersed," investigators said. "Uninvolved parties and possible witnesses ran into the mall alerting others to the incident in the parking lot, sparking initial panic."
One person was taken to an area hospital with a gunshot wound to the lower body, while a second was injured by a ricochet, police said. Both are expected to survive.
Since the shooting, several people have been arrested and charged.
Benitez was taken into custody and charged with two counts of malicious wounding, willfully discharging a firearm in a public place, and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Thornton is still sought, and attempts to locate him have ben unsuccessful, according to police. He is wanted for:
- Two counts of principal in the second-degree malicious wounding;
- Carrying a concealed weapon;
- Principal in the second-degree willfully discharging a firearm in a public place;
- Using a firearm in the commission of a felony.
"At this time, investigators believe the main suspects involved in the shooting have been identified and charged," officials said. "Additional individuals are being sought as potential witnesses to to the incident."
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