Shot fired at King of Prussia Mall believed to be accidental; 2 men sought by Montco police

UPPER MERION, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police in Montgomery County responded after a gunshot was fired in the King of Prussia Plaza on Tuesday night.

Officials say the shot was fired just before 7:30 p.m. outside the lower food court.

A video of the incident shows people in the mall fleeing the area, going into lockdown in surrounding stores, or sheltering in place.

"I was scared, it was like all of a sudden I started crying," noted Malayjah Allen, who was in the mall.

"They were just running, saying like, 'They shooting! They shooting!'" added Ciara Bennett.

Upper Merion police said the initial call came in as an active shooter threat, and officers responded as such.

However, they determined there was no immediate threat to the mall at the scene.

Officers later stated in a press conference that two men were observed over surveillance footage walking near the food court when the shot was fired.

At this time, investigators believe a gun accidentally went off in one of the two men's pockets.

"Responding officers did not locate anyone that had been shot, but did locate evidence at the scene that a gun had been discharged," said Chief Thomas Nolan with Upper Merion Township police.

"We believe one of the males had a gun in his pants and it accidentally discharged, striking one of them," added Nolan.

The two men ran from the area and fled the scene in a vehicle within 10 minutes of the shot going off.

Officers believe one of the two men was struck by the bullet because blood was discovered near the scene.

There were no other injuries reported during the incident.

Mallgoers and employees say they are relieved but are still getting over the heart-pounding moments they heard the gunshot.

"It's one of those situations you literally never know what to do, we were shocked," said Laura Tucker and Lana Jarrett. "We were trying to make the decision, like, do we chance it and leave or stay and wait? It's crazy it can happen so quickly."

Police say they are now searching for the pair of men involved and for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information that can assist with this investigation is asked to call 610-265-3232.