American Dream mall reopens after shooting, as search continues for suspects
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- A suspect is still at large after a shooting at the American Dream mall on Thursday night.
CBS2's Meg Baker spoke to workers who heard gunshots, then warnings, and tried to protect customers.
"It was a real threat yesterday," Joyce Hadley, manager of Levi's on the second floor, said Friday.
Hadley said she heard what she knew were gunshots and instantly tried to protect everyone in the store.
"As I rushed to the front of the store I saw another supervisor next door from Lush. We both looked at each other, decided to close the doors because we know the protocol is to close the doors, turn the light off, have everyone be quiet, and then go to the back," Hadley said.
She said employees have practiced lockdown procedures for emergencies.
"We saw customers running by everyone closing the gates and that's how we knew it was a real threat and we saw the security guards scrambling on their phones," Hadley said.
Police said the shooting happened at around 5:50 p.m. on the second floor of the retail section of the mall, adding a 37-year-old male victim was shot multiple times in what they're calling an isolated incident.
Hadley said she could hear the chaos of emergency responders and sirens as she rushed everyone towards the back exit.
"At that point, we were already in the service elevator downstairs at our meeting point," Hadley said.
Some had to shelter in place for more than an hour as police secured the mall, with rifles drawn in an effort to target the shooters.
"It's scary with people walking around with guns," mall patron Fred Molina told CBS2's Elijah Westbrook.
American Dream released a statement saying, "The safety and security of our guests, tenants and team members continues to be our top priority. We will continue to have increased security and police presence throughout the property."
No arrests have been made and the incident remains under investigation.
The victim was taken to an area hospital where he is listed in serious but stable condition.
New Jersey State Police release new details
New Jersey State Police revealed a few new details about the shooting Friday afternoon.
Police said the victim, 37, "sustained multiple gunshot wounds during an isolated shooting incident."
Police say the victim is in serious but stable condition.
They also revealed that the shooting took place on the second floor of the mall.
The investigation continues.
American Dream: "No cause for concern"
A spokesperson for the mall tells CBS2 in a statement:
"American Dream is operating with normal business hours today following an isolated incident yesterday evening, as New Jersey State Police confirmed there is no cause for concern.
The safety and security of our guests, tenants and team members continues to be our top priority. We will continue to have increased security and police presence throughout the property."
Food court worker describes chaotic scene
CBS2's Thalia Perez spoke with a man who was working in the food court when gunshots ran out.
"Everybody just run. They didn't pay the bill for the food. They just run. Everybody just run for their life," Benjamin Galvez told Perez.
Galvez said he heard two shots, then screams. He described the chaos, saying the mall was on lockdown for about an hour while he and co-workers hid inside a third-floor kitchen until it was safe to come out.
"Security was telling us to just stay in our jobs or stay in a store or in the food court, because they couldn't find the shooters," he said.
Videos posted to social media showed police carrying long rifles inside the mall as shoppers scrambled to get out.
N.J. State Police: No active shooter
The New Jersey State Police provided an update via Twitter, saying the incident at the American Dream mall is not an active shooter situation.
Families to reunite at Lot 26
According to the New Jersey State Police, the shooting took place at around 5:50 p.m. People were advised to avoid the area, and family members looking to reunite were advised to go to Lot 26.
Mall placed on lockdown
Video posted on Twitter captured the sound of an announcement being made over the public address system:
"Attention American Dream. Attention American Dream. Remain in lockdown procedures until further notice."
