Newark- The Delaware State Police continue to investigate the incident that was reported as shots being fired last evening at the Christiana Mall.
The incident occurred on Friday, December 21, 2018, at approximately 8:37 p.m., when the State Police received a report of shots being fired at the Christiana Mall located at 132 Christina Mall, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Troopers who were already on site as part of the regularly scheduled security detail and the Christiana Mall Security Officers immediately began to follow safety protocols and procedures. During the response, there were various reports of the suspects being at different businesses. With the assistance of multiple surrounding agencies, the building was evacuated, secured, and traffic was diverted away from the area. A search of the building, as well as the surrounding area, was conducted and the mall was deemed safe.
Jaffe said the investigation revealed that there was a large fight between multiple subjects. During this fight, a glass container broke and a metal sign fell to the floor. Patrons and employees immediately began fleeing the area.
There have been reports that the mall public address system alerted patrons that there was an active shooter in the mall. The videos below appear to capture that moment and the fear of those inside the mall as events unfolded.
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Noah Campbell
There has been no evidence recovered of any weapons being present or discharged, said Jaffe. At this time, it appears that the fight within the mall was the cause of the mass exit of patrons and employees, said Jaffe.
Various reports of minor injuries have been made by victims that occurred while fleeing the mall.
The Christiana Mall remains open during regularly scheduled holiday hours at this time.
Breaking Report
Christiana – Just before 9:00 this evening rescue crews and police from across New Castle County responded to the Christiana Mall for reports of shots fired.
There have been no reports of any injuries at this time, according to Delaware State Police.
Witnesses reported that stores went on lockdown to protect patrons at the mall. The lockdown was later lifted and the mall was evacuated.
No injured persons were found as a result of a shooting, according to a member of the emergency medical service team.
Troopers said that multiple sources reported shots fired at the mall. They also said that they received reports that a fight broke out just before the shots fired calls.
Troopers said that no suspects are in custody and that there is no physical evidence of shooting at Christiana Mall.
The mall remains closed as police continue the investigation. Tactical teams from multiple agencies have responded to the scene.
Developing
The Delaware State Police have released the following statement:
“The Delaware State Police are currently on scene investigating a report of a shots fired incident that occurred at approximately 8:47 p.m. at the Christiana Mall.
There have been no reports of any injuries at this time.
The mall is currently being evacuated and safety protocols are being followed to ensure the area is safe. All traffic is being diverted from the area. Motorist should expect delays and seek alternate routes of travel.”
Developing