A chaotic scene unfolded at the Augusta Mall on Saturday evening after an apparent misunderstanding led to panic and confusion among shoppers.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an active shooter at approximately 7:18 p.m. at the mall, located at 3350 Wrightsboro Road.
Deputies quickly arrived at the scene and conducted a thorough search of the premises, but after investigation, it was determined that no shooting had occurred. Authorities concluded that the incident was a false alarm, with no injuries reported.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as a woman, who had reportedly lost her son inside the mall, began shouting for help. According to one witness, the woman repeatedly cried out, “Where’s my son? I lost my son!”
Some bystanders misinterpreted her frantic pleas as cries of “gun,” sparking immediate fear among the crowd. This misunderstanding led to a stampede of shoppers rushing for the exits, knocking over chairs and creating a chaotic scene inside the mall.
“The situation was a misunderstanding,” said an eyewitness, who confirmed the lack of any actual threat. “There was no gunfire, just confusion. People panicked after hearing the wrong thing.”
The Sheriff’s Office has not released further details at this time, but emphasized that no shooting took place, and the public was not in danger.
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