NOVI, Mich. – Novi police responded to Twelve Oaks Mall per reports of a robbery in progress and possible shots fired around 5 p.m Saturday.
Officials say thieves smashed a jewelry case at Tapper's jewelry store inside the mall and it is believed the noise from the smashing glass was perceived as shots fired by nearby shoppers.
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One witness took video footage of the evacuation:
Witnesses told Local 4 that shoppers were evacuated from the mall into the parking lot and mentioned chaos as family members were trying to locate each other.
Shoppers took to social media to report possible shots fired which in turn created more chaos at the scene.
The director of public safety in Novi said the robbery was a 'smash and grab' type of robbery, and there is no active shooter.
"We can confirm there was an attempted smash-and-grab robbery at Twelve Oaks Mall," said Dan Jones, general manager of Twelve Oaks Mall. "Police confirmed that there were no shots fired at any time. The sound of breaking glass was mistaken for gunfire. We take this incident very seriously and are fully cooperating with police."
No injuries have been reported.
"The safety and security of our shoppers and diners is our first priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we are increasing security patrols," Jones said.
Police are still searching for the suspects who fled the scene.
Stay with ClickOnDetroit for updates on this story.