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Second Person Arrested In Connection With Fatal Shopping Center Shooting in West Hills

A small white police tent is among the cars in a store parking lot. Outside of the tent is a police SUV and several officers.
One person died and three others were injured following a gunbattle at a Trader Joe's parking lot in West Hills on Saturday.
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Two people have now been arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of one person and the wounding of three others following an exchange of gunfire at a shopping center parking lot in West Hills on Saturday afternoon.

The backstory

Authorities said Saturday that their preliminary investigation pointed to a drug deal that led to people opening fire on one another. LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton spoke to reporters Saturday night about what they'd learned so far.

"At this time, there is no danger to the West Hills community. We believe we have everyone involved in this incident either detained, or at the hospital," Hamilton said shortly after the shooting.

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Mark Connole, 34, allegedly fled the shooting scene in red Honda and injured another driver while trying to avoid pursuit, according to authorities. Following the hit-and-run, Connole allegedly entered another car driven by another person, Amy Waters, 33. After a short pursuit, both Connole and Waters were taken into custody.

Both are being held at Van Nuys Jail. Connole's bail has been set at $2,000,000.

About the shooting

Police responded to calls reporting the shooting about 3:45 p.m. Saturday. One person was found dead at the location, and three others are being treated for their wounds.

The driver injured in the hit-and-run is expected to be OK.

The person who was killed in the shooting has not been identified, pending family notification.

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