Authorities said the shooting occurred at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Columbiana Center, a one-story indoor mall. “We have confirmed that people were injured during the incident – they are receiving medical treatment,” the police wrote on Twitter. “The extent of the injuries is unknown at this time.” The state says Columbia Deputy Chief of Police Melron Kelly said many people have been shot but there are no casualties. Thirteen people have been transported for medical treatment, but it is not certain how many of them were injured by gunfire. Some may have been trampled after by gunfire. Witnesses reported loud noises and speculated that it may have been an automatic weapon. Officers went “from store to store and closet to closet looking for someone with a gun,” said Chief Kelly. The investigation was also part of the process of clearing the mall of shoppers. The police department also published: “The law enforcement teams strategically made sure that the [Columbiana Centre] has been “cleared”. “There are no other reports of injuries.” Mall officials were called to the scene and waited for law enforcement officers to provide a protected escort. Those buyers hiding in the mall were instructed to call 911 to arrange safe passage. The main commercial entrance to Harbison Boulevard was closed and sections of I-26 West were also closed due to the incident. A strong police force and emergency vehicles were found at the scene. At least one ambulance was seen leaving the mall parking lot shortly after 3 p.m. Confused families were instructed to head to the nearby Fairfield Inn on Columbiana Drive to reunite with their loved ones. The state reports that armed officers were seen entering a Dave & Busters branch in the mall at about 3:20 p.m. Local news bulletins report that the mall is usually very busy on Saturdays.
