BLACK STONE CHERRY drummer John Fred Younger discovered himself in the course of the pandemonium throughout a taking pictures at Oak Park Mall late Sunday afternoon (November 12) in Overland Park, Kansas.

Two suspects had been reportedly taken into custody after a single shot was fired throughout a wrestle between three plainclothes officers and two unidentified male suspects who had been being apprehended for shoplifting.

Late Sunday, BLACK STONE CHERRY vocalist/guitarist Chris Robertson posted the next message on the band’s social media: “We’re feeling extremely additional THANKFUL and BLESSED tonight.

“We had been having fun with a time off at Oak Park Mall outdoors Kansas Metropolis. Our days off are at all times normally at a mall to decompress, stroll, and take a look at the shops. As we speak was totally different. One minute you are trying round a store, the following you hear screaming, chaos, and what gave the impression of a stampede. There had been pictures fired inside. Folks had been working all over the place and you may hear and see panic on each harmless face. It was really terrifying.

“I texted our band group and advised everybody wherever you might be, to get out instantly,” he continued. “I discovered a high stage car parking zone exit and got here out and noticed individuals tripping over street cones, mother and father holding their youngsters whereas working…simply pure chaos. Like a film.

“John Fred was in lockdown inside a retailer with about 15 different individuals. The remainder of us that had been inside had made it to the bus. We texted with JF again n fourth giving updates. Fortunately, the native PD did an important job and apprehended two suspects and fortunately, no one was harm.

“This is not a put up for sympathy for us, however extra of a put up to say we’re simply so extremely grateful. So extremely blessed.

“This was the primary time our group had been in a state of affairs like this whereas on the street, doing one thing we do each single time off.
We embraced one another a number of instances after this expertise. Should you’ve been concerned in one thing related, we fully sympathize with you.

“We love you all a lot. We love every a lot. You simply by no means know…take time to inform these you’re keen on them. You simply by no means know…

“Wichita, KS and the remainder of this tour might be much more particular and much more grateful to have the ability to play.

“We love our households. We love you. We’re so grateful this season.”

Officers with Oak Park Mall launched the next assertion relating to the incident on Monday: “We take these conditions very severely. Along with our full-time third social gathering safety supplier, we keep a detailed working relationship with Overland Park Police Division. Our safety program is 24/7 and covers the inside and exterior of the property. We consider our protocols on an ongoing foundation, making changes as needed.

“The mall was positioned on lockdown as a precaution and mall administration was in continuous communication with shops through our tenant notification system, to advise of the standing of the state of affairs because it advanced. As soon as cleared of the lockdown, the mall didn’t reopen because it was near the traditional closing time of 6 p.m.”

The Overland Park Police Division is asking anybody who was current close to the meals courtroom and recorded video of the incident to share it with police.

BLACK STONE CHERRY‘s eighth studio album, “Screamin’ At The Sky”, got here out on September 29 through Mascot Information.

Picture: Jimmy Fontaine