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APD Defends Barton Creek Mall Response After No Threat Found


A reported group of gunmen lead to a big response from Austin Police. The call came just days after the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Although police found no threat, they are defending the large search effort.

Lt. Ely Reyes tells KEYE TV Austin police responded within minutes of receiving the 911 call.

"Approximately 11:34 a.m. this morning a female called Nordstrom and notified employees at Nordstrom that she had observed several males entering the mall armed with weapons. Nordstrom in turn called 911," said Reyes.

While searching the mall, Austin Police notified the public through Twitter to avoid the area.

"I was not allowed in there so I walked into Nordstrom and then they didn't even know something was going on," one woman said.

However, some holiday shoppers had no idea what was happening.

"Of course. It's very nerve-wracking and scary, but I'm thinking the police wouldn't be letting us in if there was something to be concerned about," another woman said.

Police never found the gunmen and say they cannot trace the third party call. Although there was no threat Lt. Reyes tell us they are taking ever incident very seriously.

"Anytime you have an incident that garners media attention nationwide. There is always the potential to have a copycat type of incident. So we are on a heightened level of awareness," said Reyes.

APD will have officers patrol the mall throughout the night. They ask if anyone sees anything suspicious to report it to police.

By Christie Post