Lansing, Mich. – A chaotic scene unfolded at the Lansing Mall on Saturday night as several hundred people fled the premises after false reports of a gun-wielding individual spread during an MMA event. The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the situation stemmed from a series of misunderstandings, leading to widespread panic among event attendees.
According to authorities, the incident began when a suspect stole a jacket from a victim. The victim, believing the thief was armed, chased after the suspect, prompting a rumor to spread quickly that a gun had been seen at the event. This misinformation set off a wave of fear, causing spectators to rush toward exits and knock over chairs in their attempts to escape.
As panic spread throughout the venue, a series of loud bangs, likely caused by chairs and other objects being knocked over, further fueled the confusion and fear. In the ensuing chaos, several windows and doors were broken as people scrambled to leave the mall.
The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded to the scene. Officers have since located and apprehended the suspect responsible for the theft. The individual will be charged with larceny in connection with the stolen jacket. However, police stress that there was no actual threat involving a firearm.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, working to understand how the false rumor gained so much traction and caused such widespread panic. The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to safety.
This remains an ongoing investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
