Large police presence at Empire Mall

SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – There was a heavy police presence outside the Empire Mall on Friday evening.

Update: Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum spoke to the media and said shots were fired at Empire Mall on Friday evening.

The first reports came in around 7:30 p.m. that two or three shots had been fired outside of Zumiez in the shopping center.

People inside the mall were ordered to seek shelter.

The police found bullet casings and carried out an initial search.

The SWAT team is now conducting an intensive search of the shopping center throughout the evening.

The suspect was described as a young man between the ages of 13 and 17.

No injuries have been reported and an investigation is ongoing.

Chief Thum said there is no danger to the public at this time and urged parents to talk to their children who may have been at the mall Friday about whether they saw anything or knew what happened.

Chief Thum praised Empire Mall employees for their handling of the situation.

“When we arrived, information started coming in that people were taking shelter and wrapping up their businesses. We trained that. The mall is a testament to their training and preparation. They immediately took action to close their stores and protect their customers,” said Chief Thum.

Previously: According to the Sioux Falls Police call log, there were reports of an active shooter and a weapons violation in the area around 7:30 p.m

Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum is expected to make a statement about the incident at 9:15 p.m

Details are currently limited. Stay with Dakota News Now to stay updated on this breaking news.

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