ORLANDO, FL (Eagle News) — Shoppers jumped into a frenzy and ran for the exits at The Florida Mall, as they heard what sounded like gun shots being fired. The mall, which is one of Orlando’s main shopping hubs, is frequently visited by locals and tourists.
On Sunday April 8, at approximately 5:45pm, Orange County Deputies were dispatched to The Florida Mall after reports of potential gun fire.
Natalie Gonzàlez, a bystander, was driving in the area by the mall as events were developing.
“I saw people running from the mall towards me, crying and screaming, pretty much frantic,”Gonzàlez said. “It was about a group of 20 [people]. Then I turned and saw triple that amount of people running away from the mall, screaming, crying, mother’s dragging strollers, [and] shoppers running.”
“It was chaos. I had goose bumps,” Gonzàlez said.
It was quickly determined that the “shots” were actually fireworks that were set off inside the mall.
According to Jeff Williamson, Public Information Officer for the Orange County Sheriff’s department, the fireworks were set off as a distraction for a theft at a jewelry store.
As people attempted to leave the area, 11 people were injured. Six of them refused treatment and five were transported to area hospitals.
The mall re-opened shortly after the incident.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate this incident.
(Eagle News Service, Melissa Potes, EBC Florida Bureau)