By Signal StaffÂ
An accidental discharge from a firearm alarmed shoppers and merchants at the Westfield Valencia Town Center mall on Saturday evening, but after a brief investigation, deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station concluded that the gunfire was not part of an active shooter situation.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:40 p.m., caused the mall to be evacuated, according to a statement from the SCV Sheriff’s Station.
“Deputies conducted a search and determined there was no immediate threat,” read the statement. “The incident appears to be an accidental discharge of a firearm. However, the investigation remains ongoing.”
No arrests have been made in connection to the incident, according to Natalie Arriaga, spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff’s Station, as both the suspect and the firearm were not located.
An SCV Sheriff’s Station official said the person who had been carrying the gun initially stayed at the scene and was apologetic towards those around him before fleeing the scene.
Arriaga said mall patrons were eventually allowed back in following the evacuation.
The incident reportedly occurred at the Journeys shoe store in the mall.
No additional details were immediately available as of the publication of this story.
