Posted: 3/12/2008 9:01:26 PM EDT
Shooting at SouthCenter Mall
When we say it's a good place to shoot, it's only a joke! 
By KOMO Staff
TUKWILA, Wash. -- At least one person was shot at Southcenter Mall in the 3700 block of 126th Place SE just before 8 p.m. on Wednesday, according to police.
The victim, whose name and condition are not known, was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Police arrested a suspect after chasing him into Seattle on Interstate 5. Police said two off-duty officers spotted the suspect leaving the scene and chased after him while calling for backup.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, finally pulled over near the intersection of 7th and Marion where police arrested him.
Police also arrested a man who was found hiding about an hour after the incident and, upon being found, began running from police. Investigators are looking into whether the man was connected to the shooting.
Police believe one gunman is responsible for the incident, but they believe several people may have been involved.
Police uncovered two weapons at the scene, one of which is believed to be the gun used in the shooting.
It is unclear whether the shooting took place inside the mall or out in the parking lot, but casings were seen scattered on the ground just outside the north entrance into the mall near JC Penney. Several of the store's exterior glasses had been shattered and nearby vehicles in the parking lot had been shot at.
Officials locked down the shopping mall following the shooting, preventing anyone from leaving the building. Concerned callers told KOMO 4 News that their loved ones were inside the mall, hiding inside various stores and scared, not knowing what was happening.
At around 9 p.m. officials began allowing shoppers to leave the mall, but the man seen running from the scene of the crime sparked panic among the crowd. In an attempt to control the chaos, police then locked down the mall again.
Police then began conducting a sweep of the mall, alerting people at each store of the latest developments and letting the people leave afterward.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are not known. No other details were immediately available. |
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