Former security guard arrested after incident at Acadiana Mall

Former Security Guard Arrested After Incident at Acadiana Mall

Lafayette, LA (ENN) — At approximately 5:38 p.m., the Lafayette Police Department responded to reports of an individual inside the Acadiana Mall at 5725 Johnston Street who was possibly armed with a firearm. The call prompted a swift and large-scale response from multiple agencies, including the Lafayette Police Department, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police.

Law enforcement conducted thorough sweeps of the mall’s interior and exterior but did not locate any armed suspects. Despite social media reports suggesting gunshots had been heard, investigators found no evidence of shots fired during the incident.

The confusion in the mall was compounded during the evacuation, as businesses closed their roll-down security doors, creating loud slamming noises. Combined with panicked yelling and patrons fleeing, these sounds may have contributed to the perception of an active shooter situation.

As the investigation unfolded, authorities identified the suspect as Gregory Stevens, 38, a former security guard and employee of the Acadiana Mall. Stevens had been terminated and banned from the property earlier in December. Witnesses reported Stevens acting erratically on the premises, sparking alarm among mall visitors.

Stevens was located and apprehended at a residence in the 100 block of Pleasant View Drive in Lafayette. He was subsequently booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on the following charges:

• Trespassing (La. R.S. 14:63)

• Terrorizing (La. R.S. 14:40.1)

• Possession of a Stolen Firearm (Active Warrant)

The Lafayette Police Department expressed gratitude to its law enforcement partners for their assistance in ensuring public safety during the incident.

No injuries were reported, and the Acadiana Mall has resumed normal operations.