ORLANDO, Fla. - Mass panic at Orlando Premium Outlets today sent hundreds of people running for the doors this afternoon.
An Eyewitness News viewer shot video showing deputies surrounding the outlets with guns. Eyewitnesses inside tell Eyewitness News 9 that deputies also evacuated shoppers.
The whole thing blew up on social media as false reports of an active shooter spread.
We now know it was all over a fight although many people thought they heard gunshots.
“Preliminary investigation reveals it was a fight and people panicked,” said Orange County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Rose Silva in a statement.
There is not a shooting at the Premium Outlets. Preliminary investigation reveals there was a fight. Investigation is ongoing.
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) June 18, 2016
Right now it's unclear why so many people reported hearing gunshots but several eyewitnesses say many people mistook the sound of chairs dropping to the floor as gunshots.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department is asking anyone with information regarding the incident contact OCSO.
Anyone having information regarding Premium Outlets is asked to contact OCSO and provide a statement.
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) June 19, 2016
Cox Media Group
