Possible Gun Sighting Clears San Mateo Mall

SAN MATEO, CA — A possible firearm sighting Tuesday night during an altercation at a Peninsula shopping center sent panicked mall-goers running for the exit doors, San Mateo police said.

Two people were arrested on unspecified charges in connection with the altercation between two small groups at the Hillsdale Shopping Center Shake Shack, police said.

No firearm was recovered and there was no evidence of shots fired, police said.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Authorities first learned of the altercation at around 8:45 p.m., according to police.

“As one group fled the area, witnesses reported seeing a firearm, which caused numerous mall goers to run from the area of the North Block in fear,” police said in a news release.

“An officer was already on scene (working a detail in the area), so additional officers responded and were updated with information quickly. “

Two people were headed northbound were detained and two additional suspects sought in connection with the incident fled in the opposite direction and remain outstanding, police said.

“Several officers flooded the area and blocked S. El Camino Real while conducting a search for the involved parties,” police said.

Police believe the altercation involved only those involved in incident.

The investigation of this case is ongoing, police said.

No additional information was immediately available.