Police: Shooting took place in parking lot of mall, no known victim

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - A shooting took place in the parking lot of the Prien Lake Mall Saturday afternoon, authorities confirmed.

Bullet casings were seen on the ground in area outside the entrance to Versona, but officials with the Lake Charles Police Department said no victims were reported. Investigators have called area hospitals to check if any gunshot victims may have been brought there by private means.

Police searched and cleared the mall which has now reopened, though some stores are choosing to close for the day.

Police on the scene said it was not an "active shooter" situation.

Lake Charles Police surrounded the Versona entrance and the Calcasieu Sheriff's Office responded to the area around Dillard's.

While some described a chaotic scene, there were also reports of shoppers casually walking around with their shopping bags.