Shots fired near Charlotte mall; third time in 9 months
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police in Charlotte responded to reports of shots fired at Northlake Mall on Monday.
According to Mecklenburg Emergency Medical Services Agency, the incident happened about 3:15 p.m. Monday. No one was shot at the mall, said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, but the investigation is still in its early stages.
Police confirmed that shots were fired outside of the mall and that officers were unable to locate a victim. As a precaution, the mall was partially evacuated before police determined there were no victims at the scene.
"We were in the fitting room all smooshed up," said 11-year-old Yolanda Nolasco, with tears in her eyes. "The lady told us to go to the back and she told us there was a shooting."
“After the Christmas shooting we had training, and mass shootings are happening as well, so we had training,” said employee Quantavia Lowery.
Despite the training, though, employees say it’s still alarming when you hear shots are fired.
“We were caught off-guard, someone ran in saying there was a shooting,” said Janeal Thomas.
Monday's incident marks the third time shots have been fired in the Northlake Mall area in the last nine months.
On Christmas Eve, a gunman opened fire inside the mall during a fight with a rival group. An off-duty officer responded, shooting and killing the teen.
There was another shooting in January. This time the shooting outside of the Verizon store left one person injured. Five people were arrested.
In response to the shooting, Northlake Mall said: "We are fully supporting the police in their investigation regarding an isolated and contained incident outside the mall."
Emergency services confirmed no patients were taken to the hospital or treated at the scene. Northlake Mall, which is about 10 miles north of downtown Charlotte, reopened shortly after the shooting, police said.
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