The shooting Saturday at a central Florida mall was an attack specifically targeting the victim, police said.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken told reporters Saturday night that a man was gunned down by several shots in a common area at Paddock Mall in Ocala, about 127 kilometers (80 miles) northwest of Orlando.
A woman was shot in the leg. She was treated at a local hospital and is expected to recover, Balken said.
The suspect fled but left the gun there, Balken stated.
Police arrived at the mall at about 3:40 p.m. upon receiving reports of several shots fired at the location.
“Officers immediately entered the mall and eventually discovered it was not what we consider an active shooter,” Balken told reporters.
The attack by all accounts was “a specifically targeted act of violence” against the victim, Balken said.
Other people at the mall were injured in the shooting. One suffered chest pains and another reported having a broken arm, police said.
In the evening, Ocala police released photos of a person of interest that were apparently taken by a security camera at the mall. All three images show a male, wearing a red cap and dark clothing. Balken had previously said the suspect was wearing a hooded sweater and a mask that partially covered his face.
The police also asked the public to turn in any photos or videos of the incident taken with cell phones, if they have them.
The company that owns the mall, WPG, said in a statement that it is cooperating with Ocala police in the investigation of the incident.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts go out to all involved,” the statement said. “Our top priority is the safety of our guests, retailers and employees.”
The mall is home to dozens of stores, including J.C. Penney and Foot Locker.
Calvin and Diana Amos, who were shopping at J.C. Penney, told the Ocala Star-Banner that they left the store quickly as soon as they heard what happened. They expressed fear and alarm.