Shoppers Mistook Gate Commotion For Shooting At Brandon Mall: Deputies

BRANDON, FL ? Customers mistook the loud closing of storefront security gates for gunshots as a man yelled at shoppers Saturday in Westfield Brandon Mall, deputies said.

According to a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office news release, deputies Baker Acted a man who had jumped from the second floor of a 2-story carousel inside the mall, 459 Brandon Town Center Dr., Brandon. The man then began shouting at shoppers as he stood on the first floor of the carousel.

Shoppers ran from the area as stores nearby closed their storefront security gates, deputies said.

"It is believed that the sound of the gates closing may have been mistaken for the sound of gunfire," deputies said in the news release.

No one was injured during the incident that occurred just before 7:30 p.m., the sheriff's office said.

Additionally, the man faces drug charges after deputies accused him of having cocaine while at the mall.

Deputies said the entire mall did not shut down as officers Baker Acted the man. Only the ones near where the incident occurred.