FLORENCE, S.C. — Police are asking for the public's help finding suspects they believe shot someone in the parking lot of a South Carolina mall on Sunday afternoon.
The Florence Police Department temporarily shut down the Magnolia Mall on Sunday following reports of a shooting in the parking lot of the mall near a Burger King restaurant around 3 p.m. Police said a Florence County deputy arrived and aided the victim until emergency medical services arrived.
The police department said that, during the investigation, officers, deputies, and state troopers secured the mall and escorted all shoppers to safety. The mall was then closed as the investigation began.
Based on what police have found, they believe there were two people wearing masks who approached the victim's vehicle and at least one fired shots into it. Police believe the suspects entered a gold, early-2000s model Ford Escape and left the area.
At this point, police say they believe this was a targeted shooting and suspect no further threat to the general public.
Following the incident, the mall released a statement announcing that it was closed for the rest of the day and that management was "devastated" to learn the shooting happened in their parking lot.
"The safety of our mall tenants, employees, and customers is of utmost importance, and we continue to cooperate with authorities," the statement continued. "We thank the Florence Police Department for their continued support. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim's family."
Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting or the suspects to call the police department at 843-665-3191. Tipsters can remain anonymous.