DALLAS — Dallas police confirmed to WFAA Saturday afternoon officers were working a shooting where three people had been shot and one person was confirmed to have died.
The shooting happened in the 4500 block of Village Fair Drive in Oak Cliff, police confirmed. Officers at the scene said there was one person in custody, 26-year-old Javis Dixon.
DPD Executive Assistant Chief Albert Martinez said the shooting occurred inside the Big T Plaza, where the assailant came upon three individuals--killing one and injuring two others. Martinez said he believes this was an isolated incident and that the area is safe.
Corderro Robinson, 36, died at the scene. The other two surviving male victims were taken to a local hospital.
Police say the victim was involved in a verbal fight before being shot. Dixon was charged with murder and taken to the Dallas County jail.
"It was basically an ambush," Martinez said. "So, we'll get down to the bottom of the why by our homicide unit."
Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn King Arnold was at the scene Saturday and said she hates to think of the potential impact this could have on this area.
"It hurts because especially in this area, the southern sector, we push for more economic development," Arnold said. "This, unfortunately, encourages some to just kind of stay away."
"We just want to assure our community here in Dallas that we are working diligently to ensure the safety of our community," Martinez said.
Nina Anya was working inside Big T Plaza with a customer at the time of the shooting. She said she had never experienced anything like what happened Saturday.
"Oh my God, when I saw people running, of course, I had to secure myself immediately," Anya said. "We went to hide inside, and then one of the customers called 911."
Tamesha Baylor was also inside the shopping center when the shooting happened, getting her hair braided. She said, including herself, about 10 people ran into a closet for safety.
"It was just crazy, and everybody was hollering and screaming," Baylor said. "It caught me off guard, so I was just trying to get somewhere safe real fast."
Brigitte Yaimpir was working in the same shop as Baylor, saying she started running once she saw other people doing so.
"You just have to save your life," Yaimpir said. "It makes me feel a little bit insecure. It's not only here, it's happened everywhere."
Arnold also talked about the crime issue plaguing parts of Dallas, saying people city leaders need to continue to focus on keeping people safe.
"Public safety does matter," Arnold said. "We know that you have shootings throughout the city. But unfortunately, today, this is one that took place in a very quiet neighborhood. But we know, life must go on."
Arnold also said she wants to make sure employees and customers inside Big T Plaza during the shooting know of the supportive resources the city provides after events like this.
"Oftentimes, we don't think about those folks who actually witness these events," Arnold said. "It's very traumatizing. It's very scary. Of course, there's a concern about, 'What do I do next with my business?'"
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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