Deputies are investigating a shoplifting incident that resulted in at least one shot being fired by the shoplifting suspect while inside Citrus Park mall.
According to reports, the suspect was at a kiosk inside the mall when he stole a piece of jewelry and ran away. An employee was chasing the suspect when he turned and fired at the employee.
No one was hit by the gunfire.
The employee chased the suspect down in the parking lot and after a struggle, retrieved the jewelry. The suspect escaped in an unknown vehicle.
Deputies quickly responded to the mall and established there was not an active shooter and assisted mall security in restoring order to the shoppers.
Mark Venturino who works at a restaurant in the mall says he heard it all.
"I hear the echoes of a loud bang and I look around and 30 seconds later a big mob of people come storming towards the exits," Venturino said. "And I asked them what was that and they said I don’t know some lunatic."
"He was brave but I wish he would just know that his life is more important than jewelry," said Paula Echols, mall employee. "You know you can’t get your life back. I’m glad that he’s OK."
Deputies are reviewing any surveillance video which may exist.