Lafayette, LA- (January 3, 2025) At 5:38 p.m., the Lafayette Police Department responded to a report of an individual inside the Acadiana Mall at 5725 Johnston Street, possibly armed with a firearm. This report prompted a large response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lafayette Police Department, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police.
During the investigation, law enforcement personnel conducted both interior and exterior sweeps of the location. No suspects armed with a weapon were found on the property. While information circulating via social media indicated that gunshots were heard inside the mall, officers have no information confirming that shots were fired during the incident. During the mall’s evacuation, several businesses began closing their roll-down security doors, creating loud slamming sounds throughout the building, in addition to people yelling and fleeing the area.
As the investigation continued, information was developed indicating that Gregory Stevens, a former employee and security guard at the Acadiana Mall, entered the facility earlier that evening. Stevens, 38, of Lafayette, had been terminated in early December and banned from the property. Witnesses on the scene reported that Stevens was acting erratically, raising concern among mall patrons.
Stevens was located and taken into custody by officers at a residence in the 100 block of Pleasant View Drive, Lafayette.
Gregory Stevens has been booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on the following charges: La. R.S. 14:63 (Trespassing), La. R.S. 14:40.1 (Terrorizing), and an active warrant for Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
The Lafayette Police Department would like to thank our Law Enforcement partners for their continued assistance in protecting the citizens of Lafayette.
Submitted by the Lafayette Police Department
LAFAYETTE, LA (January 2, 2025) – At 5:38 p.m., the Lafayette Police Department responded to the Acadiana Mall at 5725 Johnston Street for reports of an individual inside, possibly armed with a firearm.
The Mall has since been evacuated while law enforcement continues an interior sweep of the building. No shots have been fired, and there are no injuries at this time.
This is a developing situation and updates will be provided accordingly.
