Unattended death at Westdale Mall under investigation

Officials are investigating a recent unattended death in the parking lot of Westdale Mall.

Police responded shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday to the south side parking lot of Westdale Mall, between Younkers and Menards, for a report of a suicidal subject. Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said officials are investigating the death as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The 19-year-old Cedar Rapids man was found dead in his vehicle that was parked between two other vehicles, authorities said.

Sgt. Hamblin said the man had been in the mall earlier, but there were no known disputes, threats or anything of that nature before the incident. “There is nothing suspicious at this time, but it is still under investigation because it was an unattended death,” Sgt. Hamblin said.