Police Investigate Possible Shooting Threat At Willow Grove Mall

ABINGTON, PA -- Authorities are investigating the possible threat of a shooting at the Willow Grove Mall that led to area schools being locked down Thursday afternoon.

Abington Police said that an individual called 911 at about 2:40 p.m. on Thursday and said that he thought someone was “going to open up fire on people at the Mall."

When police interviewed the caller later, however, he only said that an acquaintance of his was going to the mall to fight another person, and that he had firearms.

Police now believe that it's possible there may not have been an actual threat to shoot up the Mall.

Two local schools and a daycare in the area were locked down during the afternoon as authorities swept through the area. Both the Mall and the nearby schools were thoroughly searched, police said.

An investigation is underway. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Abington Police at 267-536-1100 and select option #3.

Patch file photo