OCALA, Fla. — A man died two days before Christmas in a shooting at a central Florida mall in which the victim was “targeted” in the attack, police said.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told reporters Saturday evening that the man was killed after being shot multiple times in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, about 80 miles (127 kilometers) northwest of Orlando.
A woman was also shot in the leg. She was treated at a local hospital and was expected to recover, Balken said.
The suspect fled and left the firearm behind, Balken said.
Police arrived at the mall around 3:40 p.m. after a report of multiple shots fired into the mall.
“Officers immediately entered the mall (and) ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter,” Balken told reporters.
The attack was likely a “targeted act of violence” against the man, Balken said.
Several other store patrons were injured during the shooting, with one person suffering chest pain and another reporting a broken arm, police said.
Ocala police posted photos of a person of interest overnight, which appeared to be from a mall security camera. The three images show a man wearing a red cap and dark clothing. Balken previously said the suspect was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a mask that partially covered his face.
Police also asked the public for help by submitting cellphone video of the shooting.
The mall's corporate owner, WPG, said in a statement that they were cooperating with Ocala police in investigating what happened.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with everyone involved,” the statement said. “The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority.”
The mall has dozens of stores, including JC Penney and Foot Locker.
Calvin and Diana Amos, who were shopping at the JC Penney store, told the Ocala Star-Banner that they quickly evacuated the store when they found out what was happening. They describe themselves as scared and worried.
