HIALEAH, Fla. ā A loud noise at Westland Mall prompted a frantic evacuation and a police investigation on possible shots fired during Black Friday. ItĀ turned out to be a false alarm.Ā
After the panic erupted, Hialeah Police Department officers responded toĀ the mall at 1675 W. 49 St. Fire Rescue personnel also responded as a precaution, but there were no injuries reported.Ā
"We have not been able to confirm any shots being fired nor anyone who witnessed anyone shooting," Sgt. Eddie Rodriguez said about 3 p.m.Ā
Security at the mall reported someoneĀ decided to pull the fire alarm after something fell and causedĀ a loud noise. Shoppers scattered and police officers flooded the busy mall about 1:50 p.m., but after aboutĀ 30 minutesĀ they had found no sign of any gunshots, a suspect or casualties.Ā
Rodriguez said detectives were still investigating whatĀ set off the security alert.Ā
Three major stores --Ā Macy's, JC Penney and Sears -- anchor the mall, which reopened about 2:35 p.m.Ā Other popular storesĀ include H&M, Victoria's Secret, G by Guess, Pandora and Tous.Ā
People in crowded places in the United States and Europe have been jumpy due to a series of mass shootings and terror attacks.Ā