QUINCY, Mass. (AP) - A man charged with striking a 15-year-old girl when he fired a gun inside a suburban Boston mall pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Monday and was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
Jose R. Rodriguez, 21, of Boston, opened fire inside the South Shore Plaza in Braintree at about 4:30 p.m. Friday, according to the office of Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey, following a gang-related brawl involving two groups.
The victim was an innocent bystander, authorities said. She was struck in the hand and chest but is expected to survive.
Rodriguez fled the scene after the shooting, which sent patrons fleeing the mall in a panic and forced a lockdown, prosecutors said.
Rodriguez was seen ditching a fanny pack in a bush near a parking garage, which was later recoevered with a gun inside, authorities said.
He is charged with with assault to murder and other offenses. The hearing to determine whether he is a danger to society is scheduled for Friday. A message was left with his attorney.
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