LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson Mall officials released a statement Tuesday as Louisville police continue searching for the person who shot a male teen in the parking lot late Monday afternoon.
A statement posted on the Jefferson Mall Facebook page says it's business as usual on Tuesday, and that "Louisville Metro Police have confirmed there is no cause for concern."
Police say it started around 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 12. That's when the teen and the person who shot him were fighting inside the mall before a male suspect fired several rounds, striking the teen, who was taken to University Hospital in critical condition.
LMPD says the two people involved know each other.
People inside the mall took shelter after hearing the gunshots that shattered at least one window, and the public was instructed to avoid the area. Police cleared the mall around 7 p.m.
"I turned around there and went back home," said Chad Hibbard, who drove by the mall Monday night.
WDRB News was interviewing Hibbard, hoping to get more insight from shoppers about the shooting, when a security guard from Jefferson Mall interrupted. Our crews were asked to leave the property.
However, Hibbard said the situation makes him nervous to shop at the mall.
"It made me feel pretty scared," he said.
Christina Wood was shopping at a nearby Ross with her mom when the shooting happened. She said she heard three pops and immediately looked for her mom. At the same time, security gates were pulled down and shoppers sheltered in place for almost two hours.
"I can't help but think of this incident," Wood said. "I don't think it will stop me ... but I might pause a bit or be more aware of my surroundings and I think it will come into my mind for sure."
Wood said the manager and employees at the Ross acted quickly and didn't cause any panic for shoppers, which she said helped ease her anxiety before getting word about what happened.
Police have not provided any information about the suspect. The victim remains in critical condition at University Hospital.
The LMPD Homicide Unit is leading the investigation due to the severity of the victim's injuries.
Anyone with information is asked to call 574-LMPD. All calls are anonymous. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through LMPD's online crime tip portal.
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- 1 person injured in shooting at Jefferson Mall, LMPD says
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