Police searching for suspect after man shot in leg at Galleria Mall, officials say

HOUSTON – Authorities are searching for a suspect after a man was shot in the leg Friday at the Galleria Mall, Houston police said.

Officials said police were responding to a disturbance at the mall around 7:50 p.m. Police said a man shot another person inside the mall near the food court and then fled into the parking lot. When an off-duty officer working at the mall approached the suspect, they exchanged gunfire, according to HPD.

Police said it was unclear if the suspect was struck, but remains at large. Officials also said the shooting appears to be an isolated event.

Police said the man who was shot was transported to the hospital in an unknown condition, according to police. It’s not clear if the victim knew the suspect who shot him or what lead up to the shooting.

Officials also said it was unclear if the victim was in possession of a weapon.

The officer was not injured, police said.

Houston police said the area was placed on lockdown to search for the suspect. But, police believe he may have left the area.

Many employees and shoppers reported being locked inside the mall and parking lot.

Mina Ward was eating in the food court with her sister. Her sister heard the gunshots.

“I looked over to my right and I see a swarm of people running toward the exit.  I was in GO-MODE from there.  I just got up and ran with them.  All you hear is, “there’s a shooting, there’s a shooting,” Ward said.

Houston police said they plan to review the surveillance video from the shootings.

Here are tweets from people reacting to the news of a shooting at the Galleria Mall:

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.