Person critically wounded after shooting at police who fired back inside Concord Mills: Police

CONCORD, N.C. (WTVD) -- Concord Mills mall is closed until further notice after an officer-involved shooting on the property Wednesday afternoon, police confirmed to ABC affiliate WSOC.

The Associated Press reports that police officers shot and critically wounded a person who fired at them during a chase at the mall on Wednesday.

During a news conference, Concord Police spokesman Maj. Todd McGhee said two officers responded to a call that three people stole credit cards from someone inside Concord Mills. Based on the caller's description, the officers found three suspects who ran inside the mall as officers approached, McGhee said.

McGhee said that near the end of the chase, one of the suspects flashed a handgun and an officer radioed that the suspect had a gun. Officers gave him several commands to drop the weapon.

But the suspect fired at least one shot and a bullet hit the ground in front of one of the officers, According to McGhee. The officers returned fire, striking the suspect. He was flown to a Charlotte hospital in critical condition and the two other suspects were arrested.

Police did not release the names of the officers or the suspects. The State Bureau of Investigation is leading the case, which is typical for shootings involving law enforcement officers.

"This incident frightened a lot of people at the mall and it is understandable many people would have questions about what happened here today," McGhee said. "The Concord Mills mall has policies and plans in place for terrible situations like this and I want to give credit to them for following the plans and helping in the early investigation."

Read more on this incident at WSOC.