Police in Rock Hill, SC, have determined that a recent shooting at the Galleria Mall was a lawful act of self-defense. The shooter was initially detained but released after investigators confirmed he acted to protect himself during a physical altercation.

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ROCK HILL, SC (3-minute read) — A confrontation at the Galleria Mall in Rock Hill turned into a self-defense shooting, police said, leaving one man injured and another cleared of any wrongdoing.

Around 2 p.m. last Friday, officers responded to reports of a shooting inside the popular shopping center. When they arrived, they found a 26-year-old man, later identified as Martrell Telly Minter of Chester, suffering from a gunshot wound to the shoulder. He was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The alleged shooter was located quickly and detained at the scene. However, Rock Hill Police Department investigators later revealed that the incident was a clear case of self-defense. According to the department, Minter initiated a verbal and physical altercation with the man who ultimately fired the shot. That individual, who has not been publicly named, used his legally owned firearm to protect himself.

Given the circumstances, police stated that the shooter will not face any charges. Instead, Minter now finds himself on the wrong side of the law, charged with third-degree assault and battery. He will face court proceedings after being released from medical care.

Residents of Rock Hill, a community not accustomed to violent incidents like this, expressed shock over the situation.

“I just moved down here, and I heard there’s nothing crazy like that that happens over here,” shopper Saint Hilarie told reporters.

Police reassured the public that the area was safe and there was no continued threat to shoppers or employees following the incident.

Safety Tip: Always know the laws regarding the use of deadly force in your state. Self-defense must be justified, and understanding the difference between an imminent threat and a verbal altercation could mean the difference between freedom and a felony.