Shots Fired at Wisconsin Mall, 1 Person Wounded, Police Say

One man was left injured after gunfire that erupted Saturday inside a large Wisconsin mall and sent thousands other scrambling for cover.

The 19-year-old shooting victim suffered wounds to his leg.

Police confirmed that East Towne Mall in Madison, Wisconsin, US, had been cleared at 9.40pm United Kingdom time. According to a statement posted on its website, Madison police said they were still looking for a suspect.

Eye witnesses said couple of young men were seen in a dispute in the heart of the mall at the intersects of two major wings.

There are reports that at least one man was brought out in a stretcher, and taken to the hospital, while a second man was taken into custody.

Madison police spokesman Joel DeSpain said a bullet struck a man who was part of the initial dispute.

“My understanding is it was a chaotic scene”, he said, adding that thousands of people tried to flee the area.

The shooting happened on one of the busiest shopping days before Christmas.

Authorities respond after reports of shots fired at East Towne Mall in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015.

The officer declined to give any further details.

The mall was reopened late Saturday afternoon.

A message on the site reads, “the mall is temporarily closed due to a safety concern”.