TUKWILA, Wash. — Chaos ensued after reports surfaced Saturday night of shots fired at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Wash. However, according to the Tukwila Police Department there were no shots fired.
At 10:00 p.m. the Tukwila Police Department confirmed, via Twitter, that the incident in question was a dispute that escalated into a physical altercation.
Officers responded to an incident in the Southcenter District. It was a dispute that escalated into a physical altercation. There were no shots fired as had been reported. Officers contacted the involved parties and confirmed that there were no injuries.
— Tukwila Police (@TukwilaPD) February 18, 2018
Tukwila Police told KIRO 7's Deedee Sun that metal posts were knocked over during the altercation, and the noise when they hit the floor likely sounded like gunfire.
Responding officers were seen with weapons drawn while mallgoers exited.
KIRO 7's Dave Wagner was at Southcenter Mall as patrons exited and tweeted out video from the scene:
Major police response as shoppers flee Westfield Southcenter Mall believing there is a gunman inside. #Tukwila pic.twitter.com/CZDF56mwPf
— Dave Wagner (@DaveKIRO7) February 18, 2018
Chaos at Southcenter Mall in #Tukwila. Shoppers believe a gunman was inside. They were crying while trying to escape through back hallways. pic.twitter.com/1CeVKDFpuv
— Dave Wagner (@DaveKIRO7) February 18, 2018
Police have weapons drawn at #Southcenter Mall in #Tukwila after shoppers report active shooter. pic.twitter.com/Q7xhhhYYLJ
— Dave Wagner (@DaveKIRO7) February 18, 2018
Saturday evening trip to Southcenter Mall in #Tukwila turns to panic when shoppers fear an active shooter is inside. No shots were fired. We fled through a back hallway with terrified, crying people. This speaks volumes about the fear in America right now. pic.twitter.com/YAJ27POahC
— Dave Wagner (@DaveKIRO7) February 18, 2018
Southcenter Mall, also known as Westfield Southcenter, first opened in 1968, and offers over 200 stores and services.
KIRO 7 will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
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