CMPD is looking for suspects in Northlake Mall shooting

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Crime Stoppers are looking for suspects after a shot was fired inside Northlake Mall Sunday afternoon after a dispute.

Police released photos showing people believed to have been involved in the incident. Crime Stoppers is available at 704-334-1600 for any information regarding the shooting.

MEDIC stated that they responded to reports of a shooting nearby the mall at 2 p.m. At 2:45 p.m. MEDIC reported that they were treating two patients for non-gunshot-related injuries. No gunshot victims were discovered at the scene.

Channel 9 was informed by employees inside the mall that they were in the back of their stores waiting for the evacuation to begin at 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 stated that a dispute among two people outside the DTLR caused a single shot to be fired.

Police say that no one was hurt by gunfire.

Channel 9 reported that police had told them that security at the mall was on duty at time of shooting but that they were far from the scene where the incident took place.

Police stated that the incident was isolated after a preliminary investigation.

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

Northlake Mall spokesperson released this statement on Saturday:

“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.”

Channel 9 received feedback from some shoppers saying they feel unsafe going 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 shoot at Northlake Mall in less that two years.

‘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 stated that safety is his top priority and that he took measures after a shooting just 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.

Walter Kimble, former chief of police and security expert, says it starts with a greater police presence in the mall.

He recommends Northlake leaders speak to tenants year-round about their safety plans and urges mall employees to keep up to date with 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 be the trigger for a lock-in When do they lock-in?”

Northlake officials stated that safety is paramount.

Northlake Mall released a statement following the incident

“The safety of our guests, tenants, and employees is our highest priority. As you know, our security team is on-site 24/7. We collaborate closely with law enforcement partners to be ready to respond in a variety of situations. Although specific details about our security plans are not made public, they are visible to shoppers and guests while others are hidden behind closed doors. 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.”

(PREVIOUS – Shot fired in front of Northlake Mall store. No injuries reported, CMPD reports).

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