“…I hear her say ‘there’s an active shooter in the mall…” Residents speak out about Augusta Mall shooting
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Investigators say one person was shot inside the Dillard’s store at the mall around two in the afternoon, Sunday.
Both the shooter and the victim were gone before deputies arrived.
Those who shop at the mall regularly say they were frightened, and while they still plan to go to the mall, they’ll be more aware of the time of day they go.
“And the next thing you know, I see this woman and a whole bunch of people– like the doors were stuck open– and the woman was screaming, dragging three kids like out the doors…,” Beau said.
Beau says he’s a regular customer at the Augusta Mall but describes his unusual Sunday experience after seeking shelter inside the Palmetto Room store.
“Screaming ‘come on let’s go’ and then the next thing you know the kids are screaming and I hear her say ‘there’s an active shooter in the mall,” Beau said. “There were two younger teenage girls with their dad, and there was a boyfriend, a girlfriend and there was a woman– she was grown…”
Once law enforcement responded to the call at Dillard’s, they reported one suspect had already left the scene. And deputies say the victim drove themselves to the hospital before their arrival.
Dillard’s releasing a statement, Monday stating:
“The safety and security of our customers and associates is of utmost importance at Dillard’s. We understand this was an isolated event among the parties involved, and we are truly thankful nobody else was harmed. We are fully cooperating with authorities on the matter and referring any further questions to them.”
But despite the scare, folks we spoke with Monday morning say they’ll still shop at the mall.
“I still would shop, I mean it’s places that I can go that I can get clothing, and Dillard’s– I mean I feel safe. There’s certain times a day that I would not go. But, during the day like this– just running a few errands– I wouldn’t have a problem and would still feel safe to go in,” Jason McKenzie said.
“I definitely tell my bros, you know we’re kinda young. So, we do a lot, but I definitely tell my bros we need to stay safe always, keep our heads up when we go to the mall– that’s anywhere though,” Cameron Hurst said.
The Sheriff’s Office released a photo of two suspects who are wanted for questioning. So far, no arrests have been made. The mall is open during their regular hours.
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