Helzberg Diamonds Store Robbery Caused Chaos At Barton Creek Mall

Austin TX

18 December, 2021

10:19 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — A robbery at Helzberg Diamonds store on Saturday night brought on chaos as crowds were forced to evacuate Barton Creek Mall as police responded. Police were called to the mall at 8:33 p.m. for a "robbery hot shot" after multiple 911 callers reported three people were breaking glass cases and stealing items inside the Helzberg Diamonds store, Michael Bullock, a spokesman for Austin police, told reporters on Saturday. Bullock said officers received another report of a possible "shots fired" inside the mall. As a result, police upgraded the call to a "gun hot shot," which prompted a large city-wide response from police, fire and EMS. SWAT did not respond to this call, he said. #ATCEMS, @AustinFireInfo & @Austin_Police are in an Active Attack Response at 2901 S Capital Of Texas Hwy Nb (Barton Creek Mall, 20:35). Multiple 911 callers reporting "several people with guns & shots fired" near the food court. No patients have been reported at this time. MTF.— ATCEMS (@ATCEMS) December 19, 2021 Police later determined that there were no individuals with guns or people injured from the incident. However, authorities decided to clear the mall for everyone's safety, Bullock said. Detectives believe the report for "shots fired" could have been the result of the loud sound of glass breaking inside the jewelry store. Officials said the three people were able to take some items. At this time, there are no suspects in custody nor are there any victims as a result of the incident, Bullock said. The scene has been cleared and is safe. Anyone still inside can exit safely. - PIO8— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) December 19, 2021 "We do realize that it was a very chaotic scene, but you saw a large number of police, fire and EMS units because we were able to coordinate very quickly and clear the mall as quickly as efficiently as we can to ensure that there would not be any threat to the public," Bullock said. Bullock said authorities are investigating the incident as a theft at the Helzberg Diamonds store inside the mall. There were no other incidents at the mall, he said. The police spokesman said detectives are reviewing surveillance video for more information on the three suspects. He said anyone with footage of the incident is asked to send it to police. Bullock said the mall plans to reopen at regular hours on Sunday. It is not clear if Helzberg Diamonds store plans to reopen to the public.