Houston police confirmed the reports of an active shooter at Memorial City Mall Saturday night were false.
Around 7:45 p.m., officers received a call about a shooting at the mall. The department tweeted an hour later and said there was no evidence a shooting occurred.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said the incident was a smash-and-grab at a jewelry store and confirmed no shooting or injuries occurred.
Reports of active shooter at Memorial City Mall have been confirmed to be false. Situation is stable and under control by @houstonpolice incident was actually a smash and grab at a jewelry store. No shooting or injuries have occurred.
— Chief Art Acevedo (@ArtAcevedo) December 3, 2017
Police say a man entered Ben Bridge Jewelry and tried to smash a case with a hammer several times but failed. Police believe this action was probably mistaken for the reported gunshots.
Assistant Chief James Jones Briefs Media on Mall Smash/Grab Incident https://t.co/8EWHzohVsx
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) December 3, 2017
The suspect fled the scene. He has been described as 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, about 230 to 250 pounds with a beard. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and blue pants with stripes.
Police plan to release surveillance video to help identify the suspect.
The scene was active for a few hours with multiple units responded to the scene.