Gunfire Sends Shoppers Running at Northlake Mall

CHARLOTTE, NC — Gunfire outside Northlake Mall sent shoppers and employees running to safety on Labor Day.

“Everybody just started running,” Janeal Thomas.

It’s a scene that’s played out there twice in less than a year.

“The store manager rushed us into store bathroom,” said Kaia Pate. “There were four of us in the bathroom.”

Pate’s voice shook as she described hiding after hearing the gun.

“I called the police,” said Pate.

Calls poured into 911 just after 3:00 Monday afternoon.

Outside, police placed evidence markers over at least four bullet casings at the mall entrance near Dillard’s. Officers say no one was hurt and believe two people are connected to the shooting.

CMPD had not confirmed any arrests by Monday evening.

“I was just crying,” said 11-year-old Yolanda Nolasco. “Then, my mom told me that everything’s going to be alright.”

The 11-year-old hid in a dressing room with her family.

Thomas works in the mall. She says she remembers the shooting on Christmas Eve.

In that case, CMPD SAYS 18-year-old Daquan Westbrook fired a gun.

An off-duty officer working security killed him.

“When it does happen, it still rocks your world a little bit,” said Thomas.

She says the mall has added security since then. Now, she wants active shooter training.

“Like today, it’s, you dont know whats going on, you don’t know what to expect and for us to just be aware,” said Thomas.

A Northlake Mall spokesperson wrote WCCB Charlotte in an e-mail saying, “We are fully supporting the police in their investigation regarding an isolated and contained incident outside the mall.”