Several people were injured in a shooting at a shopping center in South Carolina, US police said.
The Columbia Police Department said at least 12 people were injured in the incident in downtown Colombia, about 10 miles northwest of the state capital, at about 2:30 p.m. local time.
Colombian police chief William Holbrooke said 10 people had been shot, while two others were injured in a collision caused by the shooting.
Image: The number of injured is still unknown
He added that two of the victims were in critical but stable condition and no one had died.
Mr Holbrooke said police had detained three people after the shooting, but he did not name them suspects.
He added that at least one of the three had fired a gun and all three had weapons.
Mr Holbrooke said the shooting appeared to have started after an argument between people who knew each other.
Image: Police officers were spotted in front of the Columbiana Center shopping center as they investigated the shooting
He said: “We don’t believe it was an accident. I think it’s very important in situations like this.”
Colombia’s deputy police chief, Melron Kelly, told the State Gazette earlier that officers “wandered from store to warehouse and from closet to closet, looking for someone with a weapon.”
“Officers are evacuating the mall and taking people to safety,” police added.
Earlier, officials said they were responding to “shots” in the center.
Image: Police respond to “shots” at the Columbiana Center. Photo: Google Street View
They said: “We have confirmed that people were injured during the incident and are receiving medical treatment.
“The extent of the injuries [are] unknown at this time. “
The Colombian Police Department later issued a statement saying: “Today’s isolated, senseless act of violence is extremely upsetting and everyone’s thoughts are affected.
“We are grateful for the prompt response and continued support of our security team and our law enforcement partners.”
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