A suspect believed to be armed ran into the Promenade Mall in Temecula Friday, trying to elude sheriff’s deputies, leading to a search and lockdown of the shopping center, from which numerous customers trying to wrap up their holiday gift quests fled out of fear.
The law enforcement activity began just after 1 p.m. Friday when Riverside County sheriff’s deputies received word of a motorist possibly armed near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Murrieta Hot Springs Road, according to published reports.
When a patrol unit attempted to stop the suspect vehicle, the occupant allegedly bailed out and made a bee line for the mall on Winchester Road in an attempt to hide, sheriff’s officials said.
As deputies ran after him, some shoppers stampeded for the exits to get out of harm’s way.
The sheriff’s department posted a “sheriff activity” advisory on social media, notifying readers that a temporary lockdown was in place at the location for public safety. Businesses reportedly closed their doors while a search for the suspect, whose identity was not immediately released, was conducted.
He was found and taken into custody without incident sometime mid-afternoon, at which point the lockdown was lifted, according to the sheriff’s department. It was unclear whether a gun was seized.
“There is no threat to the public at this time,” according to a departmental statement released shortly after 3 p.m.
No injuries were reported.
Further details regarding the foot chase and arrest were expected to be disclosed in an official statement Friday night.