'Mass Panic' At IE Mall From Fake Reports Of Shooter: PD Seeks Suspect

ONTARIO, CA — The Ontario Police Department is seeking the public's help in locating a man who made alleged false threats Monday afternoon that resulted in "mass panic" at Ontario Mills mall, the agency announced.

The suspect yelled out "gun" and "he has a gun" as he ran through the mall located at 1 Mills Circle. "His reckless actions caused guests to panic," the police department reported.

The suspect is described as Hispanic, 30-35 years old, with short black hair. He was last seen wearing a white shirt, gray pants and black shoes, the agency said. Late Tuesday, a surveillance image of the suspect (see above) was released.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. Monday, police tweeted, "Officers on scene determined that a group of people ran through the mall, which caused alarm. Ontario Dispatch then received multiple calls claiming a person had a gun and gun shots were heard. It has been determined that there was no gun or shots fired. We will continue to investigate the false claims and hold those persons accountable. The Ontario Mills Mall is safe and has resumed business as normal."

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Detective Joe Paterson at 909-408-1653 or email JPaterson@ontariopolice.org. Anonymous tips can be shared at wetip.com.