Reports of shots fired near a Tyler Walmart Wednesday prompted a clearing of the store so police could investigate.
After searching the inside of the store and a wooded area to the south of it, officers found no evidence of victims, suspects or the discharging of a weapon, according to a Tyler Police Department news release.
The situation began at 6:05 p.m. when Tyler police received numerous calls of shots fired near or at the rear of Walmart located at Texas Highway 64 West and Loop 323.
Officers immediately responded to the area to assess the situation of the reports. Upon arrival, they determined there was no indication of any active shooter within the store.
Officers requested that the Walmart be cleared of all customers and employees so that a thorough search could be conducted for any potential victims or suspects.
Several witnesses told officers they heard several shots near the rear of the store or outside the rear of the store.
Officers searched a wooded area to the south of the store and found no evidence of victims or discharging of a weapon, according to the news release.
First responders from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Fire Department and UT Health Emergency Services responded to the scene to assist Tyler police with the incident.
The only reported injuries at the scene were from personal health issues by customers or employees.
The is the second time in less than two weeks that a Tyler Walmart has been the scene of concerns about a shooting or potential shooting.
On Sept. 2, Labor Day, Tyler police arrested Trumaine Washington, 32, after they said he took out a handgun, placed a loaded magazine in it, racked the chamber and threatened to shoot and kill people at the Walmart at Loop 323 and Texas Highway 31 East.
Both incidents follow the Aug. 3 shooting at an El Paso Walmart, where a gunman killed 22 people and injured more than 20 others.
Anyone with information about the suspects involved in Wednesday’s incident are urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833).
Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.
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