LAFAYETTE, La. — The Lafayette Police Department responded to a report of an individual inside the Acadiana Mall at 5725 Johnston Street, possibly armed with a firearm on Thursday, January 2, around 5:30 p.m.Â
This report prompted a large response from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Lafayette Police Department, Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, and Louisiana State Police.
During the investigation, law enforcement personnel conducted both interior and exterior sweeps of the location. No suspects armed with a weapon were found on the property.
Lafayette police gave the "all clear" at the Acadiana Mall after an extensive search for a man possibly armed with a gun. They added they did not find the man or the gun. The mall was evacuated while officers swept the entire building. Police said no shots were fired and there are no injuries.
While information circulating via social media indicated that gunshots were heard inside the mall, officers have no information confirming that shots were fired during the incident.
During the mall's evacuation, several businesses began closing their roll-down security doors, creating loud slamming sounds throughout the building, in addition to people yelling and fleeing the area.
As the investigation continued, information was developed indicating that Gregory Steven, a former employee and security guard at the Acadiana Mall, entered the facility earlier that evening. Steven, 38, of Lafayette, had been terminated in early December and banned from the property.
Lafayette police said they are searching Acadiana Mall after reports of a man inside the mall possibly armed with a gun. They added the mall has been evacuated while the mall is being swept by officers. Police said no shots have been fired and there are no injuries.
Witnesses on the scene reported that Steven was acting erratically, raising concern among mall patrons.
Stevens was located and taken into custody by officers at a residence in the 100 block of Pleasant View Drive in Lafayette.
Gregory Steven has been booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on charges of trespassing, terrorizing, and an active warrant for possession of a stolen firearm. No bond is set.
There is a large police presence at the Acadiana Mall in Lafayette. Lafayette police haven't yet indicated what the incident is that's unfolding. There are conflicting reports of either a man with a gun or a shooting that has occurred.
A person with mall management said it will be open during normal business hours on Friday.
The investigation is ongoing.
The Lafayette Police Department would like to thank our Law Enforcement partners for their continued assistance in protecting the citizens of Lafayette.
