OCALA, Fla. — A tragic shooting at the Paddock Mall in central Florida just days before Christmas resulted in the death of one man and left a woman injured after she was shot in the leg. Police Chief Mike Balken confirmed that the victim was “targeted” for the attack, which occurred in a common area of the mall in Ocala, located about 79 miles northwest of Orlando.

Balken stated that the suspect fled the scene and abandoned the firearm. Several other mall patrons sustained injuries during the shooting, with one person experiencing chest pain and another suffering a broken arm. The police department has since posted photos of a person of interest and appealed to the public for any mobile phone video footage from the scene that could aid in their investigation.

Calvin and Diana Amos, who were inside the J.C. Penney store at the time of the shooting, shared their experience of evacuating the store quickly. They described feeling scared and apprehensive during the chaotic situation.

The mall’s corporate owner, WPG, has yet to comment on the tragedy. The Paddock Mall is home to numerous stores, including J.C. Penney and Foot Locker. The shooting is being investigated as a targeted act of violence, according to Balken.

The police are continuing to gather evidence and pursue leads in order to bring the responsible party to justice. The community of Ocala is left mourning the loss of the victim and seeking answers about the senseless act of violence that occurred just days before Christmas.