False alarm prompts Westland Mall to close during investigation

Loud noise prompts evacuation, 'shots fired' police investigation

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 

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The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.