AVENTURA, Fla. — An argument between two groups of people led to a shooting Saturday inside the Aventura Mall that left three people injured, police said.
Aventura police spokesman Michael Bentolila told reporters that the shooting occurred in front of the Hugo Boss store. He said an individual from one of the feuding groups pulled out a gun, prompting another individual from the other group to pull out a gun and open fire.
Bentolila said the injuries to the three people who were hurt were not life-threatening.
He said the suspected shooter fled the mall and was still at large.
Police also said on Twitter that several suspects were in custody and being questioned by detectives.
#AventuraPolice We have several suspects involved in custody and being question by Detectives. We have 3 victims who have sustained NON- life threatening injuries and out being treated at local hospitals. @cityofaventura pic.twitter.com/SbpSqh6GZZ
— Aventura Police (@aventurapolice) May 8, 2021
Various reports of a shooter at the mall started flooding social media feeds shortly before 4 p.m.
Literally locked in a store at Aventura mall because there is an active shooter. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/hl5QA5SFQU
— Baby Cakez ♥ (@____Shakia) May 8, 2021
shooting at aventura mall.. pic.twitter.com/Yhel1RVoXJ
— Naty Denegri (@natydenegri) May 8, 2021
I was in the mall (my office is 5 mins away) when this shooting occurred a few stores over. Heard the shot, training kicked in - herded everyone, dove for cover behind cabinets. On the floor behind cover when I made this video. Pure chaos. Just left.#aventura #aventuramall pic.twitter.com/4VoWgsm5ib
— Derek Smart (@dsmart) May 8, 2021
Shoppers and employees took cover inside stores -- some hiding in closets and storage rooms -- while officers searched for the shooter, WPLG reported.
Police didn't say what led to the altercation and did not immediately release the identities of those involved.
After the shooting, mall patrons and employees were escorted off the premises by police.
Almost a year ago, two people were injured at the same mall after an argument resulted in a shooting at the Nordstrom.
The mall was not scheduled to reopen until Sunday.
