Local

Police say no evidence found to back reported shooting at Concord Mills

CONCORD, N.C. — Concord police said there was no evidence of shots fired a reported shooting on Saturday night at Concord Mills near Dave and Busters and AMC Movie Theater.

Officers were assisted by deputies from the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office and troopers from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol for the investigation.

After forcing people to evacuate, law enforcement officers and mall security conducted an on-scene investigation that included a review of surveillance security cameras and witness interviews.

Concord Mills officials told Channel 9 that police told them there was no shooter or shots fired and that a fight broke out and three people were arrested.

Many on social media suggested that there was a shooting at the mall.

Police said “absent evidence of gun violence, social media chatter suggesting last night's disorder was something more than what the evidence shows is irresponsible and needs to stop.”

Police encourage anyone who was present at the mall, and has evidence of gun violence, to contact the department immediately at 704-920-5000.

“You just started seeing a whole bunch of police coming in,” witness Donnell Walker said. “Instead of actual handguns, they started coming in with AKs and stuff like that. I've never experienced anything like this.”

A spokesperson sent Channel 9 this statement:

"Around 9 p.m. a fight broke out in the AMC corridor/lobby near Concord Mills. Police and mall security responded to break up the fight and get the crowd/situation under control."

"Three arrests were made. Shoppers were not allowed to enter AMC after the fight to help control the situation as a large crowd and many people were in the general area of where the fight occurred."

"Claims of a shooting are completely unsubstantiated and Concord police have discovered no evidence of shots fired. There were no injuries."