Safety at malls top-of-mind for shoppers in light of Charlotte shooting

On Thursday, a fight between the shooting victim and the suspect started inside Northlake Mall near Dillards, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said. The suspect drew a gun and fired several shots, hitting two people, including an innocent bystander. The commotion from the shooting left shoppers in the middle of the chaos.

In the Triangle, area malls draw big crowds this time of year and with the holidays bringing on stress for many, shoppers have their security top-of-mind.

One shopper told WRAL News he feels safer in outdoor shopping centers such as Village District as opposed to a crowded indoor mall.

In light of what happened in Charlotte, security experts say it's best to know your surroundings and have a game plan.

Security consultant Patrick Fiel said safety is of the utmost importance in any public setting.

"Unfortunately it can happen anywhere but as a shopper you have to be vigilant," Fiel said. "Be vigilant at all times. if you’re in a mall setting and hear what could be gunshots, you want to go to a different direction."

Crabtree leaders said they’ve enhanced their security presence with additional police on scene. Security experts recommend shopping somewhere that takes security seriously.

“Crabtree’s top priority is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for our guests, employees, and retailers," said General Manager Debora Overholt. "We have many measures in place to do so, including having a fully staffed onsite security team supplemented with sworn Raleigh Police Officers. While safety is always paramount, out of precaution, we enhance our security presence on Black Friday and other key shopping times, including having additional Raleigh Police Officers on property.”

Police in Fuquay-Varina recently implemented the ‘steady blue light’ program to deter criminal activity in places like shopping areas.

"We want to have officers visible and accessible, that’s with the cruiser lights on the vehicles, that’s with officers walking the different beats and the businesses doing business checks," said Fuquay-Varina Police Chief Brandon Medina.

Shoppers like Gustavo Miranda hoping he doesn’t find himself in a chaotic situation this season

"I think I would try to make sure me and whomever i’m with is safe," Miranda said.