Police seek suspect in shooting at Vancouver Mall that left 1 dead, 2 injured

(Update: Police provide details, still looking for suspect)

VANCOUVER, Wash. (KGW) — One person is dead and two are injured after a shooting at the Vancouver Mall on Thursday evening, KGW reported. Police are looking for the suspect who is presumed to still be armed — however, a spokesperson stressed that it was not an "active" shooter situation.

Kim Kapp, public affairs manager for the Vancouver Police Department, held a press conference outside the police station later Thursday night. She said police received a call around 7:30 p.m. about a disturbance inside the Vancouver Mall, with possible shots fired.

Witnesses reported that someone opened fire in the mall's second-floor food court, initially hitting one person, Kapp said. The shooter continued firing rounds, hitting at least two other people.

When police and other first responders arrived, they found one person dead and two injured. The two wounded victims were taken to the hospital, but Kapp said she did not know their condition.

After the shooting started, employees and patrons of the mall sheltered in place, which Kapp said was the "most appropriate" action to take under the circumstances.

Families were in attendance at the Vancouver Mall for a Halloween trick-or-treating event. Kapp said she didn't know how many people were there, but she wasn't aware of any children who'd been hurt. The ages of the shooting victims are currently unknown.

Police have not taken a suspect into custody, and Kapp said that detectives were reviewing video in hopes of identifying them. There is not yet a clear motive for the shooting, but it was not considered an active shooting by the time police arrived. The shooter is assumed to still be armed.

The Vancouver Police Department initially posted to social media just after 8 p.m. that they were responding to a "disturbance" at the mall and that more information would be available later. The department later confirmed that there had been a deadly shooting and they were still investigating.

The agency added shortly after 8:30 p.m. that there was no active threat in the mall, and police were making contact with people who sheltered in place inside. A reunification area was set up outside Hobby Lobby for people separated during the shooting.

"Anyone that has been sheltering in place inside the mall can leave through any open exit," VPD said in a tweet. "Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call the VPD Tip Line at 360-487-7399."

Management for the Vancouver Mall said they couldn't comment on the details of a shooting, but did provide a statement from Tracy Peters, senior general manager:

"This evening, a shooting took place at Vancouver Mall. The center’s security team, local EMS personnel and the Vancouver Police Department provided immediate response. We are united with the community as we express our deepest concern for the victims, and we are very grateful for the quick action taken by security and local law enforcement.

"Because this incident is under investigation, we are unable to provide details at this time. For further information regarding this matter, please contact the Vancouver Police Department at 360-487-7400."