An incident at Tampa Bay’s International Mall prompted an evacuation on Tuesday afternoon. There were conflicting reports of a shooting from police, local media, and users on Twitter.
Witnesses, via Twitter, said they heard gunshots. Mall security confirmed a robbery, according to News13, which reported that the sound of breaking glass caused confusion about whether there was a shooting.
However, according to Tampa Police, there wasn’t a shooting or lockdown–just a robbery.
#BreakingNews Sledge hammer used to smash glass at the jewelry store…mall cleared but is now open for business. pic.twitter.com/ErqDGjHXfQ
— TampaPD (@TampaPD) December 30, 2014
While there are social media reports of shots fired at International Mall, there are NO SHOTS FIRED
— TampaPD (@TampaPD) December 30, 2014
To reiterate, no shots fired at I Mall. We believe shoppers mistaking breaking glass for gunfire.
— TampaPD (@TampaPD) December 30, 2014
TPD is responding to a robbery call at International Plaza. At this time there are no reported injuries.
— TampaPD (@TampaPD) December 30, 2014
But some people inside the mall stressed they heard several gunshots.
We sure heard shots. Tampa Shooting: International Mall Evacuated; Mall Security Confirms Shots Fired http://t.co/YLijhlm6Km
— Courtney Stokes (@CourtneyAStokes) December 30, 2014
One person on Twitter said her daughter is in the mall, and she got word that a gunman was robbing a store.
A reporter with ABC Action News said a police dog and an FBI agent were seen at the mall. There are numerous police cars on the scene.
Lots of cars evacuating the mall now pic.twitter.com/hy4AYg0iqc
— Josh Cascio Fox13 (@joshcascio) December 30, 2014
There’s a crisis at International Mall. Exciting (provided nobody dies). pic.twitter.com/v4WpeZe0DU
— Michael Mekus (@MMekus17) December 30, 2014
@WFLA my daughter is in the mall. She’s hearing a gunman robbed a newly store.
— Tim (@tampaoutpost) December 30, 2014
Cars being evacuated from International Plaza. pic.twitter.com/JnBMvJ28VU
— Evan Axelbank Fox13 (@EvanAxelbank) December 30, 2014
— Sarah Ravitz (@sarahaleeza) December 30, 2014
BREAKING: Shots fired. Witnesses say someone running Bay St. near Cheesecake Factory/International Plaza w/gun. @CharlesBilli10 #wtsp
— Dion Lim (@DionLimWTSP) December 30, 2014
Locked in Neiman Marcus at the international mall, there’s a man running around with hostages robbing Tiffanys
— tina (@Tinabahas) December 30, 2014
Rolex got robbed and there was a shooting. That’s all I know so far. International Mall on lockdown.
— Stephanie (@VAMOSteph) December 30, 2014
Stuck in international mall bc there were gunshots & the shooter is roaming
— riley fox (@ryryfofo) December 30, 2014
Story developing…
