Updated at 7:36 p.m.
South Burlington police are trying to find and arrest a 29-year-old Winooski man on a charge of attempted first-degree murder in connection with a Monday afternoon shooting in a parking lot outside the University Mall.
Hieheem Kirkland has been identified as the man who fired one shot at another man, South Burlington police said in a news release Tuesday. According to police, Kirkland “targeted his victim over an interpersonal relationship involving a female.”
Police said no one was injured in the shooting, which took place in a parking lot on the northwest side of the property.
In addition to the charge of attempted first-degree murder, police said Kirkland is wanted on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm.
Although “Kirkland’s criminality was focused on his intended victim,” police said, “investigators consider Kirkland to be armed and dangerous.”
South Burlington Police Chief Shawn Burke said at least one other person witnessed the shooting in addition to Kirkland and the man who was shot at. Ballistic evidence was collected at the mall, though the chief would not further describe that evidence.
“We’re following up leads right now,” Burke said early Tuesday afternoon. “We’ll see what direction this takes and we’re really looking to get Kirkland into custody safely just to end that chapter of the case.”
As for why the attempted murder charge is for first-degree, Burke responded, “There were facts and circumstances that led the investigator to believe that this was premeditated.”
Both men had fled before police arrived. Police said they have since identified Kirkland as the alleged shooter. Police said they also know the identity of the person who was shot at but are not releasing that person’s name.
Police said Kirkland is likely with Devan Carey, 25, of Winooski, and investigators also are interested in speaking with Carey about the shooting. Anyone with information about the shooting or the whereabouts of Kirkland and Carey is asked to call South Burlington police at 802-846-4111, ext. 0, or via email at kgrealis@southburlingtonpolice.org.
