The Columbia Police Department said at least 12 people were injured during the incident at the Columbiana Center, located about 10 miles northwest of the state capital, around 2:30 p.m. local time. Columbia Police Chief William Holbrooke said 10 people had been injured in the shooting, while two others had been injured in the riot. Picture: The number of injured is not yet known He added that two of the victims of the shootings were in critical but stable condition and there were no casualties. Holbrooke said police arrested three people after the shooting – but did not identify them as suspects. He added that at least one of the three fired a gun and all three had guns. Mr Holbrooke went on to say that the shooting appeared to have started after an altercation involving people who knew each other. Image: Police officers were spotted outside the Columbiana Center shopping mall as they investigated the shooting He said: “We do not think this was a coincidence. I think it is very important in situations like this.” Columbia Deputy Police Chief Melron Kelly told The State earlier that police were “going from store to store and closet to closet looking for someone with a gun.” “Officers have evacuated the mall and are transporting people to safety,” police added. Officials said earlier that they were responding to “shootings” in the center. Image: Police responded to “shootings” at the Columbiana Center. Photo: Google Street View They said: “We have confirmed that people were injured during the incident, they are receiving medical assistance. “The size of the injuries [are] unknown at the moment “. The Columbia Police Department later issued a statement saying: “Today’s isolated, irrational act of violence is extremely disturbing and our thoughts are with everyone who is affected. “We are grateful for the prompt response and continued support of our security team and our law enforcement associates.”