One of the suspects arrested in connection with a shooting Saturday at Cumberland Mall has been released from jail on bond.
Joweer Ponce, 19, of Marietta, is facing misdemeanor charges in the shooting that sent panicked shoppers and their families ducking for cover in the mall’s food court. Another suspect, 18-year-old Zaire Dhanoolal, remains in custody, according to authorities.
Ponce was released Sunday morning on $10,000 bond. Dhanoolal, who is also from Marietta, went before a judge for a first appearance hearing Sunday night, and his bond was denied. Dhanoolal was identified by police as the shooter.
The shooting was the result of a verbal dispute in the food court, Cobb County police spokeswoman Sydney Melton said. Police were called after multiple gunshots rang out about 1:15 p.m.
Cellphone video online appeared to show parents dragging children by the hand and people crawling on the floor in the resulting chaos.
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The gunfire alerted shoppers in nearby stores. Terrified customers toppled displays and were pushed into storage rooms while they waited for the all-clear, witnesses said.
When officers arrived, they found 18-year-old Ethan Green with a gunshot wound to his neck near his shoulder. Green was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital and is expected to survive, according to police.
Another victim, 21-year-old Anthony Ezell, told police a gun was pointed at him before Green was shot, but he was not hit by the gunfire.
Ponce and Dhanoolal were identified as suspects after investigators looked through surveillance footage and spoke with witnesses. Ponce was arrested on charges of reckless conduct and carrying a concealed weapon into public without a permit, according to an arrest warrant obtained by AJC.com.
MORE: 2 teens arrested in connection with shooting at Cumberland Mall
The gun fell from Ponce’s pants to the floor during the altercation, an officer said in the warrant. It was picked up by another one of the fighting teens, and then dropped again.
“A shooting occurred moments later,” the officer said. “It is unclear at this time if the accused handgun was the weapon fired.”
Green was holding onto Dhanoolal’s legs when he allegedly fired into his upper body, according to a separate arrest warrant.
Dhanoolal faces two felony counts of aggravated assault in connection with the shooting, one for each of the victims.
The incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Police Department Crimes Against Persons Unit at 770-499-3945.
Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
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