Hillsborough sheriff: Woman’s gun ‘accidentally went off’ at Brandon Mall
The Brandon Mall was closed down Saturday afternoon after a woman’s gun “accidentally went off inside her purse” while she picked up food from a Charley’s Cheesesteak fast food restaurant located in the mall, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said after reviewing surveillance footage.
Food court patrons, including the woman, fled the scene and into the mall parking lot, prompting a heavy law enforcement response after initial reports of a “possible shooting,” Sheriff Chad Chronister posted on social media just after 4 p.m. Saturday.
Saturday’s incident appears to be “isolated” and involves only one person, Chronister said. Detectives have located the woman, whom law enforcement did not identify, and no charges have been filed at this time.
The Sheriff’s Office said deputies couldn’t locate anyone that was injured in the incident. The mall was open as of Sunday morning.
“Every day, our deputies put their lives on the line to protect our communities and today was no different,” Chronister said in a prepared statement. “Our agency’s dedication and swift response to this incident demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
Times reporter Ian Hodgson contributed to this report.
