Terrifying moment shoppers run in panic after gunman ‘with an AR-15’ opened fire

Three people were injured in a shooting in an Arizona shopping district on Wednesday evening, police say. 

Senator Martín Quezada had earlier tweeted: ‘I just witnessed an armed terrorist with an AR-15 shoot up Westgate. There are multiple victims.’ 

Glendale police later confirmed three people were injured after they were called 7:20pm local time. The suspect is said to have surrendered and is now in custody.  

One of those injured is said to be in critical condition. The two others were expected to survive following the shooting near a popular shopping and entertainment district west of Phoenix. None of the victims have been named.

Officer Tiffany Ngalula did not confirm the gun used in the shooting but did say police are aware of video circulating on social media which looked to be posted by the shooter, who has not been officially identified.

Senator Quezada told 12 News: ‘I saw him through my window after the shots were fired. He was walking calmly and reloading his weapon.’  

The Westgate shopping center, part of a complex that includes arenas for Cardinals football and Coyotes hockey, was humming with activity after many of its stores and restaurants were closed for more than a month due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Police locked down the area and were methodically going through businesses to search for any additional victims or suspects, the spokeswoman said. 

Footage from the scene shows terrified shoppers fleeing in panic as gunshots ring out. 

Law enforcement had earlier tweeted: ‘Please stay out of the #Westgate area. 

‘Preliminary info from our dispatch is there were at least two persons struck by gunfire and one person is in custody. 

‘PIO is enroute to the scene. Media staging for now will be West of the Arena.’ 

They later confirmed a suspect is in custody, adding: ‘Update: there are no more reports of any active shooting. 

‘One suspect is in custody. We are shutting down the Westgate area to ensure everyone is safe. Media staging will be at Cabelas parking lot.

Senator Quezada said: ‘I saw 2 victims with my own eyes. Not sure how many others I saw the shooter. Being told not to say anything else about details ’til I speak to police. I’m ok. Lots of shaken up people.’ 

One Twitter user wrote: ‘There is a possible shooting going on at Westgate in Glendale. I’m here at work with a coworker hiding in the back of our studio. Hoping to get through all of this.’

Video from the scene shows a large police presence. 

Arizona governor Doug Ducey said: ‘We are monitoring this closely.’

He later added: ‘Our hearts and prayers are with the individuals and families impacted tonight, as well as the first responders and police officers who are on the scene. The state is here to continue to offer its full support to the victims and to the community.’

Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton said: ‘Praying hard for the two victims at Westgate and for the hundreds who just lived through the nightmare of a mass shooting. 

‘This is a terrible situation that could have been much worse—I’m grateful for the quick response from @GlendaleAZPD that undoubtedly saved lives.’