Tacoma: Shots fired inside shopping mall

At least five people were hurt after shots were fired inside a shopping mall Sunday, and the mall was locked down as police searched for the shooter, authorities said.

It wasn't immediately clear how serious the injuries were. Tacoma Fire Department official John Landoski said authorities got a call about 12:15 p.m. that shots had been fired inside the mall. Five people were taken to hospitals with injuries, he said.

The mall was locked down with shoppers and store clerks still inside, and the shooter was also still believed to be inside, Landoski said. State Patrol and police units from nearby agencies were clustered around an entrance at the south end of Tacoma Mall.

Betz Dejarnatt, who works at the J.C. Penney store inside, said she heard at least three shots, AP reports.

A. A.