A correction to an earlier version of this article is appended to the end of the article.
MILPITAS — A loud noise during an apparent attempted smash-and-grab robbery at a Great Mall of the Bay Area store was mistaken for possible shots fired, triggering an active law-enforcement response Sunday.
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Around 7:30 p.m., Milpitas police officers began responding to the mall for reports of a theft at the Valliani Jewelers jewelry store, according to a news release, where three suspects in dark clothing smashed displays and stole jewelry. When officers arrived at the mall, shoppers were running because they thought a shooting occurred.
Police decided to evacuate the mall “in the abundance of caution,” and posted to the department’s Twitter account around 8 p.m. to ask residents and visitors to avoid the area.
By 8:30 p.m., police said “[i]nitial reports from social media & other sources that shots were fired at GMBA are unconfirmed at this time. Out of an abundance caution, those inside GMBA have been asked to shelter in place while ofcs conduct a search of the mall interior.”
Minutes later, officers then began working to escort workers to the mall parking lot and added that they had found no evidence of shots being fired.
No suspect in the attempted robbery was in custody Sunday night. The three suspects were each described as a “black male in dark clothing,” according to a news release.
Just before 11 p.m., police said the mall was cleared and employees could return, and also thanked Milpitas firefighters, San Jose police and Santa Clara County sheriff’s deputies, California Highway Patrol Golden Gate Division officers and paramedics for their response.
Check back for updates.
Police Activity at the Great Mall of the Bay Area in #Milpitas. Officers are currently investigating. Please stay clear of area. Will update with additional information as it becomes available. #MilpitasPD
— Milpitas Police (@MilpitasPD) August 26, 2019
Great Mall of the Bay Area Update 1: Initial reports from social media & other sources that shots were fired at GMBA are unconfirmed at this time. Out of an abundance caution, those inside GMBA have been asked to shelter in place while ofcs conduct a search of the mall interior.
— Milpitas Police (@MilpitasPD) August 26, 2019
Officers have begun to escort some store employees and shoppers still inside the GMBA to the parking lots.
We will update will further information as it becomes available. https://t.co/Nt6AGaAewj
— Milpitas Police (@MilpitasPD) August 26, 2019
Great Mall of the Bay Area Update 2: At this time there is NO evidence that shots were fired at the GMBA. Officers are continuing to search the mall interior. #MilpitasPD
— Milpitas Police (@MilpitasPD) August 26, 2019
Great Mall of the Bay Area Update 3: At this time there is NO evidence of an active shooter incident at the GMBA. Officers are continuing to search the mall interior. #MilpitasPD
— Milpitas Police (@MilpitasPD) August 26, 2019
Great Mall of the Bay Area Update 4: Media staging area will be the overflow parking lot across from the Saks Off 5th store. #MilpitasPD PIO will be at that location.
— Milpitas Police (@MilpitasPD) August 26, 2019
@9:31 pm – Milpitas PD to provide update to media in approx 10 minutes. Officers on scene clearing interior but no evidence of active shooter and no victims.
— Milpitas Police (@MilpitasPD) August 26, 2019
9:44 pm – Two search teams are in the mall but again, no evidence of a shooting. Out of an abundance of caution, the mall was locked down and is still being cleared. Officers remain on scene but there is no immediate threat to the community at this time.
— Milpitas Police (@MilpitasPD) August 26, 2019
10:06 pm-For Great Mall of the Bay Area managers/store employees who need to return to their stores…please stage in front of the Home Depot. Once the all clear is given you will allowed back into the mall. #MilpitasPD
— Milpitas Police (@MilpitasPD) August 26, 2019
10:54pm-ALL CLEAR. Teams have concluded their search of the mall interior. Employees may now return to their stores. A press release will be sent out tomorrow. Thank You @SanJosePD, @CHP_GoldenGate, @SCCoSheriff, @MilpitasFire & County EMS for your help tonight. #MilpitasPD
— Milpitas Police (@MilpitasPD) August 26, 2019
Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.
Correction: Because of an editor's error, an earlier version of this story included a photograph of police detaining an individual as part of an incident that was unrelated to the attempted robbery. The individual in that photograph was released without charges.
