HOLYOKE — A juvenile male has been arraigned in connection with a shooting that occurred at the Holyoke Mall last Friday.
According to Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, a Holyoke Mall security officer observed an individual shoplifting and alerted a Holyoke police officer who was working detail inside the mall.
According to Gulluni, when officers approached the juvenile near the Round One entrance he brandished a firearm. A preliminary investigation indicates that both the suspect and one officer discharged their weapons. The officer was not struck, while the juvenile sustained at least one gunshot wound.
“Holyoke officers provided immediate medical aid, and the juvenile was transported to Baystate Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries,” Gulluni said in a statement. “A firearm was recovered at the scene. He was placed under arrest, and was arraigned virtually on Monday, July 28, 2025, in Springfield Juvenile Court.”
Following his arraignment, the juvenile was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing, which is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. His bail was set at $100,000 cash.
The Hampden County District Attorney’s Office intends to seek a youthful offender indictment against the juvenile as the investigation continues, Gulluni said in his statement.
“This harrowing situation could have ended much worse. Juveniles and guns is a recipe for disaster,” said Gulluni. “The juvenile’s alleged behavior is appalling and we will seek accountability to the fullest extent of the law. We are grateful that no innocent people or officers were injured.”
The Holyoke Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate the incident.
During a press conference following the shooting last Friday, Holyoke’s Police Chief Brian Keenan assured the public that the Holyoke Mall is a safe place to shop and visit.
“While this incident can cause fear, the Holyoke Mall is a safe place to shop and visit,” Chief Keenan said. “We have officers here to deal with incidents like this and ensure that the public is safe.”
