VPD: ‘No evidence of an active shooter’ at Valdosta Mall

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - Police confirmed that there is no active threat and no shooter at the Valdosta Mall on Aug. 2. No one was injured or shot, according to a press release from the Valdosta Police Department (VPD).

It is unclear at this time if any shots were fired.

VPD said they detained suspects who were involved in a “possible fight” near the food court in the mall. WALB’s Taylor Lewis witnessed police detaining three people at the scene.

Read the full press release here:

“We are aware of everyone’s concerns and social media posts circulating about a possible “active shooter” situation at Valdosta Mall. At this time we have confirmed that there has not been anyone shot. Off-Duty VPD officers working at the mall, were made aware of a possible fight near the food court. Officers responded to the area and detained subjects involved.

At this time there is no evidence of an active shooter or gunshots being fired. There are no injuries and no active threat at the Valdosta Mall.

There was an extremely heavy presence of local law enforcement, as we do take all calls of active shooters seriously and we do respond as though the threat is real until we can determine otherwise.

We appreciate everyone’s patience during this time."

Valdosta Police Department

This comes after multiple law enforcement agencies were surrounding the Valdosta Mall the evening of Aug. 2.

Shoppers were told they had to evacuate the mall, VPD said.

The incident occurred at about 6:35 p.m., according to WALB’s Taylor Lewis, who was inside the mall at the time.

Several people who said they were at the mall when police arrived called WALB’s newsroom. Some said that people were screaming and running out of the mall while they were instructed to get down.

WALB is on-scene working to learn more. Stay with us.

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