This archive report was first published on 14 October 2019.
On October 13, 2019, a chaotic scene unfolded at the upscale Town Center at Boca Raton, an hour north of Miami, when panicked shoppers fled the mall after hearing what they believed were gunshots.
Police S.W.A.T. teams and federal agents responded to the scene, locking down the commercial center for several hours. However, authorities later confirmed that there was no evidence of a shooting.
A man hit his head on a door while trying to evacuate the building and was taken to Delray Medical Center for treatment. Several other people suffered minor injuries, according to the police.
Chief Dan Alexander of the Boca Raton Police Department attributed the panic to a 'bang' or loud noise near the food court, which prompted widespread concern among shoppers.
Investigators reviewed security camera footage and interviewed witnesses to determine the cause of the incident. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also responded to the scene to assist the police.
