After two minutes of open gunfire Elisjsha Dicken confronted Greenwood Mall shooter, Jonathan Sapirman, preventing twenty year old Sapirman from taking more lives.
In an Indiana mall three people were killed and two injured during a shooting on July 17. Sapirman arrived at the mall and went to the food court bathroom where he remained for an hour until emerging to attack his first victim, Victor Gomez. Using a shotgun, he then fired at Pedro and his wife Rosa Pineda, ending the couple’s lives as they shared a meal. A 22 year old female was injured in her leg after Sapirman fired several more rounds. A 12 year old girl was also injured after a bullet ricocheted.
Armed with a 44mm pistol, 22 year old Dicken entered the scene. Dicken fired 10 rounds and took down the shooter. Sapirman attempted to retreat to the bathroom he had previously been in but collapsed before he could make it.
Dicken had only the instruction his grandfather had given him about gun use yet he saved “countless lives” and has been named “the good Samaritan.”
Though Dicken has not spoken with the media, his lawyer released a statement:
"I am proud to serve as Eli Dicken's attorney and spokesperson. He is a true American hero who saved countless lives during a horrific event that could have been so much worse if not for Eli's courage, preparedness and willingness to protect others. Because we want to respect the ongoing criminal investigation by the Greenwood Police Department and take time to honor the three innocent lives lost, we won't be making any substantive comments on Sunday's events until after the authorities' investigation is closed. In the interim, we ask that you respect the privacy of Eli and his family."
Police held a press conference about the shooting identifying Dicken as the hero of the incident.