MELBOURNE, Fla. – A shooting at a Central Florida mall left two people dead and one hurt from a gunshot wound, according to Melbourne police.
WKMG-TV reported police from all over Brevard County rushed to Melbourne Square Mall after terrifying 911 calls came in around 9:30 a.m. Saturday.
But by the time police stormed the food court, police said gunman Jose Garcia Rodriguez was already dead. His wife, Ida Garcia, was shot and survived, but a third person who was also shot died.
Police didn't say if that man tried to wrestle the gun away from Jose Rodriguez, or if he was just caught in the crossfire, WKMG-TV reported.
Police said the nearly 100 people inside the mall did the right thing to save themselves. No other mall employees or customers were reported hurt during the incident.
"Some people that heard the shots locked themselves in closets. For the most part people were cooperating, followed directions," said Cmdr. Vince Pryce, of Melbourne police.
Police said Melbourne Square Mall would be closed for the remainder of the day. Some of the restaurants that surround the mall reopened Saturday afternoon.
If you are a witness or have any information that could help investigators in this case, please call the Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-6731 or their tip line at 321-608-TIPS (8477).