Shots rang out at Arizona Mills mall Friday evening.Tempe police posted there were no injuries reported. The department said an active investigation was continuing.People have been evacuated from the mall and nearby streets closed off.Officers were still conducting a sweep of the mall, still escorting people outside and still interviewing people late Friday night, Sgt. Ryan Cook, Tempe police spokesperson, said.Leslie Bazan, 18, and Arianna Lowman, 19, were working at a clothing shop when the shooting happened about 7:30 p.m., according to the two women.Bazan said she was folding shirts when she noticed people running.“I thought first she (Lowman) was laughing, and I was like, wait, maybe she’s joking around. But then everyone behind her started running, like everyone, and people started screaming,” Bazan said.She radioed the rest of the staff about what was happening and closed the store gate.Lowman said the staff and two customers went into the back stockroom and hid for two hours, Lowman said.Eventually the group was escorted out by police.Bazan said she was told by people inside that the shooting happened by the food court.Jesus Aguilar said his three nieces, ages 14 to 16, were inside shopping when the shooting started, and they were told to hide in place in the store they were in.Aguilar stood outside while police interviewed them. He said he lived across the street and learned what was going on when he saw all the police cars and flashing lights.“I called them and only just now got a hold of them,” he said.Police advised everyone to stay out of the area. The mall is located between Southern Avenue, Baseline Road, Priest Drive and Interstate 10.This is a developing story. Return to azcentral.com for updates. …
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