The Palo Alto Police Department is already investigating a shooting incident that took place Monday afternoon at the Stanford Mall, where an unknown suspect in a vehicle fired at least one round at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse. No one was hit by the bullets.
Authorities reported that the scene is safe and many officers are present to ensure public safety. Initial information indicates that the suspect fired a handgun from a moving vehicle and the motive or purpose of the event is unknown.
Officers closed off the 100 block of El Camino Real in both directions while the scene was processed for evidence.
An initial report indicated that someone may have been seen with a gun holster inside the mall after the shots were fired. However, no one reported seeing a weapon pointed or displayed.
There were no police-ordered lockdowns as a result of this incident. Officers have searched the entire mall. There are still several officers remaining on the scene to ensure public safety.
Officers located evidence in El Camino Real to indicate that at least two shots were fired from there, and a witness reported seeing the suspect fleeing that area in a black Chevrolet Camaro northbound on El Camino Real, authorities said.
Police said the front window of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse was hit by a single bullet. Officers also found an unoccupied parked vehicle nearby that was also hit with another projectile.
By 6:45 p.m., the 100 block of El Camino Real reopened to traffic in both directions.
The local police stressed that any relevant updates, including any information on possible suspicious vehicles, will be provided via their Twitter account, while they will issue a press release.
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