Shooting Scare At Puyallup Mall After Suspect Sets Off Fireworks

PUYALLUP, WA — Puyallup and Central Pierce authorities responded to a “chaotic scene” at the South Hill Mall Saturday night, when numerous visitors to the South Hill Mall mistook fireworks for gunshots.

The Puyallup Police Department reported on social media that on Saturday evening, they received numerous emergency calls from the South Hill Mall reporting everything from gunfire to the lighting of fireworks inside a store. The PPD and the Central Pierce Fire & Rescue arrived to find a “chaotic scene with individuals running from the location and the smoke-filled store,” according to a PPD Facebook post.

Upon entering the unnamed store, officers say they confirmed an individual had lit off fireworks in an apparent attempt to create a diversion and steal merchandise from the store, police said. Police say they did not find firearms, shell casings, or other evidence of firearm usage at the store.

Authorities are still attempting to locate a suspect as of Monday at 11 a.m., and are interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance video.

No injuries were reported, and officers said that there is “no reason to believe there is any concern of danger around the South Hill Mall.” Water damage from the sprinklers and damage to the store’s ceiling tiles were reported, according to KIRO 7.