UPDATE (WKOW) -- Madison police are searching for a small group of suspects who got into a fight inside West Towne Mall Saturday evening that ended with shots fired in the parking lot.
The incident sent scared shoppers and mall workers out in the cold around 5:30 p.m. while investigators gathered evidence.
Police say a dispute started inside the mall near the food court between at least two or more people. That fight spilled outside the mall and turned into a physical altercation. It's still unknown how many people were involved but at one point someone pulled out a gun and shot it. That person ran to the side of the mall by JcPenney where shell casings were found. Investigators believe that suspect got into a vehicle and it drove away.
"We do not believe at this time that anyone was injured by the gunfire," says Madison police spokesperson Joel DeSpain. "Obviously there were a lot of innocent people shopping, going to restaurants at the time this took place, so we're very thankful that nobody was hit."
One of those out shopping was also a mall employee. Patricia Pesina, who works in the food court, says she was near the fight when it started.
"I saw people running around going crazy," Pesina tells 27 News. "I was shopping for some shoes and then we were leaving and then we saw police come in and say to get out, not to ask questions and we ran out the doors."
Also nearby, was a kiosk manager who quickly took action. John Springer says he tried to keep a clear head to get his employees and customers to safety.
"I looked around and noticed each store doors were locking up," Springer says. "I'm looking around and I grab the guys and luckily Victoria's Secret was still open, so we notified them got as many people as we could there to safety and we sat and we waited."
Police say the mall activated its emergency protocol that they've trained for in the past.
While police haven't gotten reports of anyone hurt in the incident, they will be monitoring the hospitals for anyone who may come in with injuries that could be related.
Investigators say it was not a random act but no one has been arrested. Police say they have zero tolerance for this kind of violence and hope someone will come forward with information.
"This is yet another chronicled incident where we have people who are resolving disputes to the use of guns," Chief Mike Koval says. "Give us the information that we can use then to lock these folks up because we can't tolerate this kind of thing."
Police ask anyone with information or anyone who may have seen those responsible to call 911. If you captured any video or pictures of the scene that could help the investigation call Madison police.
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UPDATE (WKOW) -- Madison police say a fight that broke out inside West Towne Mall led to shots fired.
Police say the fight spilled outside the mall Saturday evening which is where the shots were fired. Officers found shell casings outside the area of the food court.
No one is in custody at this time and police say they haven't gotten any reports of anyone shot or injured in the incident but will be monitoring the local hospitals.
West Towne Mall was on lockdown after the incident. It will remain closed throughout the night as investigators work at the scene.
Tonight on 27 News at 10, we'll hear from those who were inside the mall when the fight broke out.
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UPDATE (WKOW) -- Madison Police tells 27 News West Towne Mall is on lockdown right now following reports of shots fired there.
There are no reports of anyone injured from the incident, and there is no suspect in custody at this time.
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MADISON (WKOW) – Madison Police are responding to a report of shots fired at West Towne Mall.
Dane County Communications tells 27 News they received a call for shots fired just before 6 p.m.
Our photographer on the scene says there was crime scene tape around the entrance to the food court, but very few details are being released right now.