Mall shooting in Ocala, Florida: 1 dead, 1 injured at Paddock Mall: Authorities

2024-12-25 12:16:18 source:lotradecoin payouts category:My

OCALA, Fla. — A man died in a shooting at a shopping mall in central Florida two days before Christmas in which the victim was apparently “targeted” for the attack, police said.

Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told reporters Saturday evening that the man was killed after he was shot multiple times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, located about 80 miles northwest of Orlando. A woman was shot in the leg, police said.

The suspect fled the scene and left behind the firearm, Balken said.

Police arrived at the mall around 3:40 p.m. after a call of multiple shots being fired at the mall.

“Officers immediately made entry into the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter,” Balken told reporters.

Florida mall shooting:One man killed, one woman shot in the leg at Paddock Mall in Ocala; shooter at large

Multiple people injured due to fallout from shooting

Several other mall patrons also suffered injuries during the shooting, with one person having chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said.

An email inquiry was sent to the mall’s owner, WPG. The mall has dozens of stores, including J.C. Penney and Foot Locker.

Calvin and Diana Amos, who were shopping in the J.C. Penney store, told the Ocala Star-Banner that they evacuated the store quickly once they figured out what was going on. They described themselves as scared and apprehensive.

More:My

Recommend

Dick Van Dyke credits neighbors with saving his life and home during Malibu fire

Hollywood legend Dick Van Dyke and his family are alive and well thanks to some quick-thinking neigh

The U.S. plans new protections for old forests facing pressure from climate change

BILLINGS, Mont. — The Biden administration has identified more than 175,000 square miles (453,000 sq

The latest to be evacuated from California's floods? Bunnies

California's record-setting winter is providing a much-needed boost for wildlife, including blooming