LATEST: West Towne Mall in Madison reopens as police search for suspect(s) after shots fired outside

MADISON (WITI) -- Police in Madison are searching for the person(s) responsible for a shots fired incident that resulted in the West Towne Mall being closed early Saturday, February 28th.

FOX6's sister station WMTV in Madison reports it was just after 5:30 p.m. Saturday when police responded to several calls saying there were shots being fired at the West Town Mall. Police arrived and found multiple gunshot casings scattered outside the mall's food court and JC Penney store.

"There appears to have been a dispute that started inside the mall between at least two individuals and that dispute spilled outside the mall and a physical dispute took place outside of the food court. There were numerous people in the area but we don't know how many were actively fighting," Joel DeSpain with the Madison Police Department said.

Initially, the mall was put on lockdown. Eventually, when people were given orders over the loudspeakers to evacuate, chaos ensued.

The mall closed early as investigations got underway.

No injuries were reported.

"We do not believe at this time that anyone was injured by the gunfire. Obviously there were a lot of innocent people shopping and eating during this time, so we're very thankful that nobdy was hit," DeSpain told WMTV.

DeSpain also says the incident is an isolated one. It is not related to terrorism or random acts. However, Madison Police Chief Michael Koval says individuals resorting to weapons to settle disputes is an ongoing and growing issue in the city.

"We've had such a rash of them over the last quarter, so this is by far one of the closest we've had to having innocent bystanders affected by the disputes of two people, two or more people or whatever the case may be," Koval said.

Police say the suspect got into a vehicle and fled the scene after shots were fired.

Police are now looking to eyewitnesses or for video shot by a witness for more information on the suspect and the vehicle.

"We can't tolerate this kind of thing," Koval said.

The mall reopened Sunday.





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