WAYNE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Passaic County) — A firearm was discharged during a physical altercation in the area of the food court at Willowbrook Mall on Tuesday night, prompting a large police response. No injuries were reported, authorities said.
Wayne police said officers were dispatched at about 7:03 p.m. on Dec. 30, 2025, after receiving reports that shots had been fired inside the mall and that multiple individuals were seen fleeing the scene.
Police from Wayne and several neighboring agencies responded and determined that a physical altercation preceded the discharge of a firearm. Officers did not locate any apparent victims at the scene, but individuals were detained as part of the investigation, authorities said.
In an update released Wednesday, police said evidence processing and the on-scene portion of the investigation have been completed. Authorities confirmed that a firearm was discharged inside the mall in the area of the food court.
Three individuals — two adults and one juvenile — were taken into custody for their participation in the altercation that led to the gunfire, police said. No additional details about charges were immediately released.
Investigators said there is no information at this time to suggest an ongoing threat to the public or to mall patrons. Willowbrook Mall was scheduled to reopen Wednesday, Dec. 31, at its regularly scheduled time.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact the Wayne Police Department Detective Bureau at 973-633-3530.
