At least nine people were taken to the hospital and an unspecified number of people died in a shooting at a Dallas-area outlet mall Saturday, authorities said.
Brian Harvey, the chief of police in Allen, Texas, north of Dallas, said it was too early to give an accurate number of people killed at Allen Premium Outlets.
The suspected shooter was “neutralized” by a city police officer who was responding to an unrelated call at the mall, he said.
Officials did not provide conditions for the injured.
Janet St. James, a spokesperson for Medical City Healthcare, which operates multiple trauma facilities in North Texas, said it received eight patients from the shooting. They range in age from 5 to 61, she said.
Allen Fire Department Chief Jonathan Boyd said nine victims were taken to area trauma-equipped facilities, but he said others could have gone to hospitals in private vehicles.
Law enforcement responded to reports of an “active shooter” at Allen Premium Outlets at 3:36 p.m., officials said.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives described the situation as an “active shooter incident,” and said it was responding to the mall.
There was very little information available on the suspect. Speaking at an early evening news conference, Harvey said, “We believe he acted alone and we don’t believe that there’s another threat at this time.”
A silver sedan on the property appeared to have been shot and was in an area cordoned off by investigators, according to coverage from NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
Responding law enforcement officers helped shoppers evacuate and cleared each retailer to ensure no dangers remained, according to witness accounts.
Multiple mall employees and shoppers said they heard gunfire and took cover where they could.
Gov. Greg Abbott called the situation an “unspeakable tragedy.”
“Our hearts are with the people of Allen, Texas tonight during this unspeakable tragedy,” he said.
The full support of the state was being made available to Allen officials and first responders, Abbott said. Resources include the officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers, and state investigators, he said.
Allen police said the mattera was under investigation and that people should stay away from the shopping center.
The FBI and other agencies did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The shopping center occupies 69 acres and is operated by Simon Property Group, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It houses more than 120 retailers.
Allen is about 30 miles north of Dallas.

Nbcnews