A 13-year-old boy was wounded near a food court and children’s play area before a security officer detained the suspect.
WHEATON, Md. — A 17-year-old has been charged as an adult after police said he opened fire at a group of teenagers inside Wheaton Mall, striking a 13-year-old boy in the ankle during a busy Friday evening.
Montgomery County police identified the defendant as Diego Rafael Turcios Avalos of Silver Spring. Police said he faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, using a firearm in a violent felony, carrying a loaded handgun and possessing a firearm as a minor. The charges are allegations, and the case has not been resolved in court.
Officers were called to the mall at about 6 p.m. Friday, July 31. Investigators said surveillance video showed Turcios Avalos sitting near a Cinnabon when a group of teenagers walked past him. Police said he stood, drew a handgun and fired toward the group.
The 13-year-old was struck in the ankle and taken to a hospital. Authorities said a tourniquet was used before he received further treatment. Police described his condition as stable and said his injuries were not expected to be life-threatening. The child’s name was not released.
The shooting occurred near a children’s play area while children and other shoppers were nearby, according to police. Gunfire sent people running from the food court and surrounding stores. Investigators later marked off part of the mall as officers collected evidence and reviewed the scene.
Police said Turcios Avalos ran toward a Dick’s Sporting Goods store after the shots were fired. An armed security officer saw the handgun, stopped the teenager and held him until Montgomery County officers arrived. Police said a firearm was recovered at the scene.
Authorities have not announced what led to the encounter or whether the defendant and the wounded boy knew each other. Police also have not said whether investigators believe the 13-year-old was the intended target or was struck while the gunfire was directed at the larger group.
The adult charges mean the case will proceed through Maryland’s criminal court system rather than remaining solely in juvenile court. Police said Turcios Avalos was taken to the county’s Central Processing Unit. Information about an attorney, a bond ruling or a future court date was not immediately available.
The investigation remained active Sunday. Police had not announced additional arrests or identified any other injured shoppers, and no further information about the wounded boy’s recovery had been released.
Author note: Last updated August 2, 2026.