SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – A juvenile male has been sentenced in connection with a 2025 shooting at Holyoke Mall.

Payton North, spokesperson for the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, said the teenager, whose name and age have not been released, was sentenced as a “youthful offender” to five years to five years and one day in prison for two counts of assault with intent to kill, as well as concurrent prison sentences of two-and-a-half years to three years on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm without a serial number.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred near Round One at Holyoke Mall in the afternoon of July 25, 2025. Holyoke Police, who were working a detail at the mall, approached the suspect after a mall security officer saw an alleged shoplifting incident. During the encounter, the suspect showed a gun and fired one round in the officers’ direction. One officer returned gunfire, which hit the suspect in the leg.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of bringing a loaded firearm into a crowded public place and opening fire. We are grateful no innocent individuals were injured and commend the responding officers for their professionalism and courage during an extremely dangerous situation,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni in a statement.

Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan added in a statement, “When a police officer is shot at, there must be severe consequences, so a situation like we witnessed in Cambridge doesn’t repeat itself. I commend the Judge for his ruling. The mall should be safe haven for all our visitors and its employees. This suspect’s brazen actions put our officers and mall patrons in a potentially deadly situation. I would also like to applaud our officers involved for their professionalism and poise during this incident.”

The juvenile was also sentenced to probation through July 26, 2032 on two counts of attempted assault and battery with a firearm. As part of that probation, he was ordered to stay away from the victims and the Holyoke Mall, possess no guns or dangerous weapons, and attend school, work, or obtain a GED.

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