HOOVER, Ala. — A 19-year-old Birmingham man has been arrested after police say he shot his 20-year-old cousin during a fight at the Riverchase Galleria food court in Hoover, apparently stemming from a dispute on social media.
Reginald Ja’Ques Davidson, 19, faces first-degree assault and second-degree theft of property charges in connection with the October 30, 2026, shooting. His total bond was set at $300,000.
According to the Hoover Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire at the shopping mall at approximately 11:57 a.m. Friday.
Officers found a 20-year-old Birmingham man suffering from a gunshot wound to his arm. The victim was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. He has since been treated and released.
Shooting Followed Fight Over Social Media Dispute
Investigators believe the shooting occurred during a confrontation in the mall’s food court involving individuals who had been engaged in a social media dispute.
Police determined that Davidson and the victim are cousins.
Although detectives are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, authorities said the fight appears to have been connected to the online disagreement.
Following the shooting, Davidson fled the mall with a handgun that investigators later determined was stolen.
Hoover police said none of the individuals involved appeared to have ties to the city.
The department condemned the decision to bring violence into a busy shopping center over what it described as a minor dispute.
Suspect Captured in Birmingham Within 24 Hours
Hoover detectives quickly identified Davidson as a suspect and coordinated with other law enforcement agencies to locate him.
At approximately midnight, officers took Davidson into custody on Avenue K in Birmingham’s Ensley neighborhood.
He was transported to the Hoover City Jail, with plans to transfer him to the Jefferson County Jail.
The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office in Birmingham reviewed the case and authorized two felony charges:
- First-degree assault: $150,000 bond
- Second-degree theft of property: $150,000 bond
Davidson’s combined bond was set at $300,000.
Police Say Additional Charges Are Possible
Although Davidson was identified and arrested within 24 hours of the shooting, Hoover police said the investigation remains active.
Detectives continue reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses. Authorities indicated that additional charges are likely as the investigation progresses.
The Hoover Police Department thanked the Birmingham Police Department, UAB Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and U.S. Marshals Service for assisting with the investigation.
Police confirmed that Riverchase Galleria remains fully open for business, with Hoover officers continuing their regular security operations at the mall.