CMPD looking for suspects after shot fired at Northlake Mall

MEDIC said they were responding to reports of a shooting near the mall just before 2 p.m. Around 2:45 p.m., MEDIC said they were treating two patients with non-gunshot-related injuries and no gunshot victims were found at the scene.

Employees inside the mall told Channel 9 they were inside the back of their store waiting to be evacuated around 2 p.m.

“It was very scary because I was very close and I actually heard it. And to see the people running with their kids in their hands and everything trying to get up and get out,” one employee said.

[ ALSO READ: Shots fired at Northlake Mall started as argument inside, police say ]

Police said a dispute between two people outside of the DTLR led to a single shot being fired.

However, no one was struck by gunfire, according to police.

Police told Channel 9 that mall security was on duty at the time of the shooting, however, they were not near the location where the incident occurred.

Police said a preliminary investigation indicates this was an isolated incident.

[ ALSO READ: Arrest report: Gunman, victim recognized each other before Northlake Mall shooting ]

A spokesperson for Northlake Mall released a statement over the weekend:

“We are working with local authorities on the incident that happened at Northlake Mall on Sunday afternoon. The mall will remain closed for the remainder of today.”

Some shoppers told Channel 9 they no longer feel safe coming to the mall.

“It’s very bothersome and it’s sad. It’s really sad because my daughter always says she doesn’t want to come to this mall because of the shootings,” shopper Adriane Edwards said.

This is the third shooting at Northlake Mall in less than two years.

VIDEO: ‘Fixing the issue’

Tenants of businesses inside the mall say they’re concerned.

“I do want to make it clear that I’m passionate about fixing the issues there,” said Edmund Washington, No Grease barbershop. “But if I can’t do that, I’ll definitely look at our options.”

Washington said his priority is safety so he has taken measures, which happened after a shooting before Christmas.

“We decided to try to find a solution to the problem with CMPD, local politicians, mall management, and the community to fix the violence issue,” Washington said.

Former police chief and security expert Walter Kimble says that starts with an increased police presence at the mall.

He suggests Northlake leaders talk to tenants about their safety plan year-round and stresses mall employees stay up to date on their safety training.

“All of the store managers should be giving us information to the store employees,” Kimble said. “For example, what to do? What would trigger a lock-in? When do they lock-in?”

Officials with Northlake explained that safety is also paramount.

Northlake Mall statement following the incident:

“The safety of our guests, tenants, and employees is our highest priority. As you are aware, our security teams are on site 24/7; we work closely with our partners in law enforcement and are prepared to respond to a variety of events. While specific details of our security plans are not publicized, most are visible to our guests and shoppers while other measures are behind the scenes. Thank you to both our security detail and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their ongoing preparedness and professionalism. If you have any questions on this specific incident, please reach out to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.”

“Northlake Mall does have a Youth Supervision Policy that states all visitors age 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult at all times age 21 years or older on Fridays and Saturdays after 3 pm…you can refer to our website shopnorthlake.com for more information.”

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