Authorities in Minnesota say a young boy is being treated for multiple serious injuries after a stranger allegedly threw him over the third-story railing at the Mall of America in Bloomington on Saturday.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, 24-year-old Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda was arrested on suspicion of grabbing the 5-year-old and tossing him roughly 40 feet to the floor below on Friday, escalating an apparent pattern of destructive acts and assaults he is accused of committing at the mall. Two previous incidents occurred in 2015, according to Fox News.
While hospital staff has not officially updated the public on the boy’s condition, Bloomington Police Chief Jeffrey Potts held a press conference confirming he is being treated at an area hospital with his parents by his side. Their identities have not been released to protect their privacy.
Meanwhile, Aranda was behind bars as of the latest updates available and police were still investigating a possible motive. Police say witnesses assisted security staff in detaining the suspect. Charges are expected to be filed early next week by Hennepin County prosecutors.
Potts called it a “horrific situation,” reiterating that the suspect has no known ties to the victim or his family.
At the scene, one witness recalled the mother screaming “everybody pray” and announcing that someone threw her baby from the balcony.
[Feature Photo: Emmanuel Deshawn Aranda/Police Handout]
