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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A male teenager is in critical condition after a shooting at Jefferson Mall on Monday evening, according to Louisville Metro Police.

The report of the shooting came around 4:45 p.m. at the mall located on Outer Loop in Okolona. LMPD said the scene was secure as of 5:25 p.m.

LMPD Lt. Col. Steve Healey said an altercation between two people who knew each other started inside the mall. A male in his late teens was shot outside of the mall by a male suspect, who fired several shots. 

"No one else was hurt as far as we know right now," Healey said. "We're still reviewing video of that to determine exactly how many people were involved. We do know we have one shooter and one victim."

The victim was taken to University Hospital in critical condition.

Shoppers were sheltered in stores after the shooting as LMPD's SWAT team cleared the mall. Healey said there would be a "central collection point" near the food court for people who were at the mall.

"As they interview and make sure everybody is okay, and then they will filter them out," Healey said. "We are going to make sure everybody that is inside the mall, once we clear each individual store, and then they will be able to filter out of the mall."

LMPD cleared the mall at 7 p.m.

Loren Yates said a friend, who was with her 7-year-old daughter, was at the mall when the shooting happened. Yates' friend called her after the shooting.

"She said that they just started shooting, she heard gunshots and they got up out of there," Yates said. "It's kind of a shocker I guess, so close to home."

LMPD is searching for the suspect in the shooting, who still remains at large. Police didn't believe the suspect was in the mall hours after the shooting.

[Louisville police continue search for suspect after teen shot at Jefferson Mall]

LMPD Lt. Col. Steve Healey speaks after a person was shot at Jefferson Mall on Dec. 12, 2022.

LMPD is requesting the public avoid the area as the investigation continues Monday evening.

"The gun violence in this city is unpredictable, it's at an unacceptable level," Healey said. "We're at a mall during the holiday season, and individuals want to pick up a gun and make a decision to fire a gun at a mall during the holiday season."

Anyone with information that could lead to an arrest is asked to call the anonymous tip line at 574-LMPD (5673) or use the anonymous crime tip portal.

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