Chaos at Haywood Mall Leads to Lockdown

Panic in Haywood Mall food court

News Summary

A disturbance in the food court of Haywood Mall in Greenville, South Carolina, led to a lockdown on Saturday evening. Eyewitnesses described panic among shoppers, mistakenly believing there was an active shooter. The Greenville Police Department clarified that no shots were fired, and the incident stemmed from a physical altercation. No injuries were reported, and investigations are ongoing to address community safety concerns.

Greenville, South Carolina – Haywood Mall was placed on lockdown Saturday evening due to a disturbance that led to widespread panic among shoppers. The Greenville Police Department confirmed the incident took place around 8 p.m. in the mall’s food court. Authorities stated that there were no shots fired and reassured the public that the disturbance was a result of a physical altercation.

An off-duty police officer stationed at the mall responded to reports of an assault in the food court area. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene where individuals began to flee from the mall, with some shouting about a possible shooting. This prompted an immediate lockdown as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all patrons and employees present at the time.

Initial confusion arose from loud noises that were mistaken for gunfire. Police later clarified that these sounds were actually chairs being thrown and hitting the ground during the argument. Fortunately, no victims have stepped forward to report injuries related to the disturbance, and as of now, no arrests have been made while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident triggered a flurry of activity on social media, where numerous witnesses shared their experiences. Many expressed feelings of panic and confusion during the event, with some users claiming they were barricaded inside stores as the situation unfolded. Videos circulated on various platforms, showing crowds running through the mall, which contributed to the perception of an active shooter scenario.

As the situation developed, shoppers raised concerns about the delays in communication from mall security. Questions about the handling of the disturbance and the subsequent lockdown were prevalent among patrons who experienced the chaos firsthand. In light of the fears and confusion, police officials worked diligently to dispel the erroneous reports of gunfire and provided updates to reassure the public that the incident was contained and safely managed.

In response to the disturbance, a thorough investigation is ongoing. Authorities are examining the details surrounding the assault and aim to address any safety concerns raised by the community. Police have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward as they continue to piece together the events that led to the alarm at Haywood Mall.

Haywood Mall, a popular shopping destination in Greenville, has hosted thousands of visitors and patrons over the years. While the mall has experienced minor disturbances in the past, Saturday’s incident marked a significant moment of alarm for the local community and underscored the importance of swift communication during emergencies. Law enforcement remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the mall and its patrons.

As investigations proceed, the Greenville Police Department is expected to release further details about the incident and any potential outcomes related to the assault. The department continues to emphasize the necessity of calm and accurate communication in such situations, urging the public to remain informed and vigilant.

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STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE

The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

Picture of STAFF HERE GREENVILLE

STAFF HERE GREENVILLE

The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
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