Police: Shot fired after man, woman attacked at Summit Mall

FAIRLAWN, Ohio (WOIO) - Fairlawn police confirmed Sunday afternoon that a gunshot was fired after a fight broke out inside the Summit Mall.

Officers were dispatched to the Summit Mall just after 2:30pm on Sunday.

A man and woman were attacked during a fight, according to a department press release.

The man, a licensed CCW holder, pulled out his firearm, and was tackled by one of the individuals suspected of the assault. As he was tackled the gun went off, the release said.

Police said a bullet was fired into the ceiling at the mall and the suspects ran from the scene.

Mall employees like Savannah Vance quickly ushered shoppers and other employees to safety in their stores and locked the doors. “It was pretty scary, I slammed that door down as fast I could, locking it and getting everybody back there.”

Shopper Zenobia Hood told 19 News there was chaos, fear and panic. “When the shooting started people were running down the mall, it was like a stampede, we were all scared to death. I was hyperventilating, I couldn’t breathe.”

Both the man and woman said they were assaulted and were assessed by first responders, the release said. Police confirmed the two victims are cooperating with police in the investigation and the man’s gun was taken into evidence.

This is the second time in two months there has been an active police presence at the mall. One person was arrested on Aug. 27 after a dispute between two men. A gun was also recovered in that case.

Police officials confirmed detectives are conducting a full investigation into the incident to determine if charges are warranted.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.

Copyright 2022 WOIO. All rights reserved.