Home / Crime and Justice / Gunman Sparks Panic at Temecula Mall
Gunman Sparks Panic at Temecula Mall
20 Dec, 2025
Summary
- An armed man led deputies on a chase into a busy mall.
- Shoppers fled and hid during the incident; no one was injured.
- The suspect was apprehended without incident by deputies.
During the bustling Christmas shopping season on Friday, December 19, an armed individual triggered alarm at the Promenade shopping mall in Temecula. Deputies initiated a pursuit after locating the suspect's vehicle, which led them to the mall. The suspect then entered the shopping center, prompting some customers to flee and others to seek shelter, leading to a temporary lockdown.
The Sheriff's Department clarified that while the situation caused fear, there were no injuries, and initial social media reports of an active shooter were incorrect. Cal Fire did treat one individual at the request of deputies, though their connection to the suspect was not immediately clear. The department also confirmed that the suspect was apprehended without any complications.
The incident began around 1:10 p.m. when deputies were alerted to an armed person's presence. The pursuit involved a vehicle stop attempt that failed, escalating into a chase. The suspect was eventually taken into custody within the mall premises, bringing an end to the tense situation for shoppers and staff.
