Terrified shoppers, including a woman with a baby, were forced to hide after a teenager allegedly brandished a fake gun in a busy shopping centre.
The 17-year-old allegedly pulled out the fake black gun at Mandurah Forum on Pinjarra Road, an hour south of Perth, about 1.20pm on Friday.
It is understood the incident occurred after another group approached him. of teenagers with whom he had had previous altercations.
The teenager, from Meadow Springs, is alleged to have chased the group through the busy shopping center while pointing the fake gun at them.
Shoppers were forced to take shelter when police officers arrived at the mall and were only able to leave the center after being given the all-clear.
Sportsgirl, Foot Locker and Cotton On closed their doors immediately.
mother mandurah Pania Ripahou was forced to hide in a Cotton On changing room with her seven-month-old baby.
‘We were scared. “There were a lot of moms in the store and he was right at the front door,” Mrs. Ripahou said. PerthNow.
Shoppers were forced to hide in the changing rooms of a clothing store at Mandurah Forum on Pinjarra Road in Perth at 1.20pm on Friday.
‘I don’t think I felt unsafe, I felt confused. It was when I digested it (later) that I realized how serious it was.’
Ripahou said security only spoke to her once and asked if the store was going to reopen or not.
“I hope this has woken up the center. I think everyone is learning that there is a lack of vigilance. Some protocols need to be put in place,” he said.
WA Police said the public feared the firearm was real and capable of firing a bullet.
“Several stores within the shopping center were placed under emergency closure during the incident,” it said in a statement.
“The firearm was located by police and was confirmed to be an imitation firearm and was not capable of firing a projectile.”
A teenager, aged 17, is alleged to have brandished a black-style handgun when he was approached by another group with whom he had had previous altercations inside the shopping centre.
The 17-year-old was charged with being armed in a manner likely to cause fear and will appear at Mandurah Magistrates Court on October 14.
Vicinity Centres, owner of Mandurah Forum, said it is assisting WA Police.
‘The safety of our visitors, retailers, team and the wider community is our priority. “As the matter is the subject of a police investigation, we are unable to provide further details,” a spokeswoman said.
WA Police are also speaking to other witnesses and parties about the incident.