CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is searching for suspects involved in a shooting that took place at the Northlake Mall on Sunday.
On Sunday around 1:48 p.m., officers were called to the mall for a report of shots fired at the mall.
Police say a single shot was fired during an altercation between two people. Nobody was injured in the shooting, according to CMPD However, Medic said two patients were treated for non-shooting-related injuries.
Editor's note: WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show these surveillance photos because police are hoping they will help to locate the suspects in this case.
Northlake Mall officials chose to close the mall for the rest of the day after the shooting.
Meanwhile, safety and security are growing concerns for shoppers in the area.
“It’s not going to deter me from going to the mall because I still do go to some of the stores in there but its scary," said Natalie Fields.
"Malls are like a hot spot and you never know what is going to happen," said added Kayla Williams. "You might have some people who are dumb get into an altercation and pull out a gun. You may be at a mall or boardwalk because people don’t care anymore."
With this being the second shooting incident at the mall within two months, Fields said stronger safety measures need to be put in place.
"I think metal detectors are the way to go for a lot of things now," Fields said.
She adds incidents like these are a reminder to always be vigilant in public spaces.
"I kind of watch my surroundings a little more," said Fields.
Irwin Carmichael, active shooter instructor and former Mecklenburg County Sheriff, says that people should always keep in mind being vigilant.
"When I'm going into a mall, I'm always looking around, looking for those exits," said Carmichael. "When I see something going on my best advice is to remove yourself from it. Don’t sit there and watch what is going on because you don’t know what they brought to the fight."
Carmichael says being prepared for emergency situations, such as an active shooter, saves lives. He says if you hear gunshots and can escape, get out.
"A bullet does not have a conscience... it does not care where it goes. So that is why you have to be prepared for the worse case," Carmichael explained.
Carmichael reminds folks that violence is not the way to settle disagreements.
"Kids today don’t know how to handle disputes and we have to teach them at home. My son, I always know where he is going and who he was going with," said Carmichael.
Carmichael advises people to get rid of distractions when they're in public spaces, such as walking to the car in the parking lot. He also suggests that people put their phones away. Criminal looks for opportunities and being distracted, or on the phone, can present opportunities for them to act.
A representative from Northlake Mall gave WCNC Charlotte the following statement:
"The safety of our guests, tenants, and employees is our highest priority. As you are aware, our security teams are on site 24/7; we work closely with our partners in law enforcement and are prepared to respond to a variety of events. While specific details of our security plans are not publicized, most are visible to our guests and shoppers while other measures are behind the scenes. Thank you to both our security detail and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for their ongoing preparedness and professionalism. If you have and questions on this specific incident, please reach out to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department."
Anyone with any information regarding this crime is asked to contact CMPD or Crimestoppers at 704-334-1600.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
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