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Identity of Ocala Paddock Mall gunman released
Ocala police are searching for Albert Shell Jr, 39, who is accused of shooting an killing a man while injuring another woman inside the Paddock Mall prompting chaos among shoppers. Law enforcement originally called the incident an active shooter situation before they later learned this was a targeted shooting
OCALA, Fla. - The Ocala Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for a man accused of shooting and killing one person while injuring another inside the Paddock Mall Saturday afternoon.
Police issued an arrest warrant for Albert Shell Jr, 39, who is wanted for premeditated first-degree murder and attempted premeditated first-degree murder, according to a Twitter post.
The shooting inside the Paddock Mall resulted in a man being killed and a woman being injured and sent last-minute shoppers scrambling Saturday afternoon.
The mall said Sunday morning in social media posts that it would remain closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Police responded to the mall Saturday afternoon following 911 calls reporting multiple shots fired inside the mall. Officers found 40-year-old David Nathaniel Barron dead inside the mall, and a woman who was shot in the leg. That woman was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
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Ocala police give updates on Paddock Mall shooting
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken held a press conference Saturday evening following a reported shooting inside Paddock Mall. A man was killed and a woman was shot in the leg. Others were hurt amid the chaos. Police said the suspected shooter ran away from the mall after the shooting and is being sought by authorities.
Police are also searching for the person who took the shooter's red hat. The hat may have valuable DNA evidence. Ocala police said if the hat is not returned in the next few hours, the person's picture will be released on social media and they will be arrested.
At a Saturday press conference, Ocala police said Shell, the suspected shooter, ran away from the mall after the shooting.
Police released a series of surveillance images of Shell who was wearing a red hat, black hoodie, and black pants.
Anyone with information on Shell's whereabouts is asked to call 352-656-6137.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and we are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice," police said.
Paddock Mall to remain closed
Sunday morning, the mall posted on its Facebook page that it would be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
According to an online schedule, the mall was scheduled to be open Sunday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., and was already scheduled to be closed on Dec. 25.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those involved. The safety of our guests, retailers and employees is our top priority. We are working closely with the Ocala Police Department as they investigate this incident. For more information, please contact the Ocala Police Department directly at (352) 369-7000." – A spokesperson for wpg, the owner of Paddock Mall said.
The mall is located about 90 minutes north of Orlando, Florida.