- The suspect remains on the run after fleeing the crime scene in Central Florida
- Several people were injured in the shooting at Paddock Mall on Saturday
A shooting at a Central Florida mall left several people injured and the suspect remains on the run.
Ocala police said they responded to an “active shooter” Saturday afternoon at Paddock Mall in Ocala, about 80 miles northwest of Orlando.
Police later said on social media that the suspect had fled and the mall was being evacuated.
“Several people were injured.” The suspect is said to have fled. “The mall is currently being evacuated,” authorities said.
The suspect remains on the run after fleeing the crime scene in Central Florida
Ocala police said they responded to an “active shooter” at Paddock Mall (pictured) in Ocala, about 80 miles northwest of Orlando, on Saturday afternoon
There was a heavy police presence at the scene and people were urged to avoid the area.
In videos and photos circulating on social media, Christmas shoppers can be seen screaming and streaming out of the mall.
Several victims were transported from the mall on stretchers by emergency crews.
A helicopter can be seen above the mall actively searching for the shooter.
Calvin and Diana Amos, who were shopping at the JC Penney store, told the Ocala Star Banner that they quickly evacuated the store as soon as they found out what was going on.
The family said they didn't hear any shots but were “scared” and “worried.”
Megan Garcia, who was at Kay Jewelers in the mall, said, “I dropped everything and ran,” even though she had already paid for the items.
“I dropped everything and ran,” Garcia said.
Ocala police will hold a news conference outside the mall at an unspecified time after 5 p.m.
Officers from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, county and city fire crews and the Florida Highway Patrol were on scene.
🚨#BREAKING: Several people were shot and injured at Paddock Mall, the suspect is still at large⁰⁰📌#Ocala | #Florida ⁰
Numerous law enforcement and other emergency personnel are on scene at Paddock Mall in Ocala, Florida, responding to an active shooter… pic.twitter.com/5Q0II5yIJ8– RAWSALERTS (@rawsalerts) December 23, 2023
Paddock Mall shooting: Multiple people injured in Florida as suspect remains on the run after fleeing the scene