Gun sighting prompts lockdown of West Edmonton Mall Saturday

Shoppers were forced to shelter in place Saturday after West Edmonton Mall went into lockdown.

Police said they received reports that a "male" had been seen with a gun inside the mall around 3:15 p.m.

Carlos, who didn't want his last name used due to safety concerns, was shopping at the mall during the lockdown.

He said he saw a fight break out in front of the Old Navy store in Phase III of the mall.

"It kind of scared me," he said. "And then I see somebody point out a gun … and I'm like, "Oh crap."

At 3:41, West Edmonton Mall posted to social media, asking visitors to stay in a safe place until the lockdown was lifted. Many sheltered inside nearby stores.

"It was kind of scary," Carlos said. "It's one of those things you see on TV, and you just don't know how to react when you're in person. I was kind of frozen."

Police found and arrested the "parties involved," and the lockdown was lifted around 4:00 p.m. Officers said no shots were fired, no one was hurt and there was no threat to the public.

Charges are pending against one male, whose age is unknown.

This is the second time this year the mall has been locked down. In August, a lockdown was called after a shooting outside that injured three people.