Five people were hurt in separate shooting and stabbing cases at the same shopping center.
LAUREL, Md. — Laurel police were searching for a shooting suspect after gunfire and a separate stabbing injured five people during a crowded Cinco de Mayo gathering Tuesday night.
The violence broke out at the Centre at Laurel, a busy shopping center in the 13600 block of Baltimore Avenue. Police said the shooting near LongHorn Steakhouse and the stabbing near Amigos Mexican Grill were separate incidents, though both happened during the same chaotic period.
Large crowds had gathered for a Cinco de Mayo event at Amigos Mexican Grill. After the event ended, officers were in the area helping disperse people from the parking lot. A fight then broke out near LongHorn Steakhouse, where police said at least one person opened fire.
Three people were shot and taken to a hospital in stable condition. Video from the scene showed people running after the shots. A nearby vehicle was left with bullet holes and a broken window. Police later released images of a person they said was suspected in the shooting.
The stabbing happened steps away near Amigos Mexican Grill. Police said two people were stabbed in a domestic-related incident. Authorities identified a 26-year-old man in connection with that case and said the stabbing was not tied to the shooting.
Witnesses described a packed parking lot and a fast-moving scene as officers, medics and investigators arrived. FOX 5 reported that an officer was maced during the response. Laurel officials said the crowd size and quick spread of videos online helped shape the investigation.
Mayor Keith R. Sydnor said police agencies worked together during the response. Investigators continued gathering evidence Wednesday, including social media videos and witness statements, while trying to confirm the identity of the person seen in released images.
All five victims survived. As of Friday, police had not announced an arrest in the shooting, and the investigation remained active.
Author note: Last updated May 8, 2026.