Fireworks at 2 NYC malls mistaken for gunfire, spark mass shooter panics

People flee the JCPenney at the Bay Plaza Mall in the Bronx after patrons mistake fireworks for gunshots.
People flee the JCPenney at the Bay Plaza Mall in the Bronx after patrons mistake fireworks for gunshots. Photo credit Citizen App

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Two New York City malls were locked down out of fear of a mass shooter when patrons at each shopping center mistook the sound of fireworks for gun shots.

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Patrons panicked at the Bay Plaza Mall in the Bronx when fireworks were set off outside the JCPenney there just before 2 p.m.

Kings Plaza Shopping Center in Brooklyn was locked down less than an hour later at 2:30 p.m. when fireworks were set off inside the mall.

There is no indication the two incidents are related, authorities said.

Police have not one arrested anyone for setting off the fireworks.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Citizen App