Gun shots were fired at Braintree’s South Shore Plaza around 7PM on February 3. Two members of opposing Boston gangs were believed to be involved in an altercation that escalated into a shooting. No one was injured, and the suspects fled the mall. A thorough search through the premises by SWAT units and hundreds of police officers from Braintree and surrounding police departments ensued.
The Boston Herald reported on Saturday morning that 23 year old, Michael J. Spence had been arrested with numerous firearm charges.
The situation left shoppers in the mall terrorized as people screamed and were put into lock down before being allowed to evacuate. Shoppers stood outside as SWAT units were running around patrolling the crime scene. Dozens of reinforcements were called in from surrounding towns to assist blocking off the mall.