NewsLocal News

Actions

Fireworks set off inside Vista Target store, prompts law enforcement response

Posted at 6:51 AM, Feb 03, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-03 09:51:17-05

VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) -- Reports of gunfire inside a Vista Target store prompted a mass law enforcement response Tuesday evening.

At around 9:15 p.m., San Diego County sheriff’s deputies responded to calls regarding shots being fired inside the Target store on 3150 Business Park Dr.

Deputies, as well as San Diego police and California Highway Patrol officers, surrounded the store and directed shoppers out of the building over fears of a possible active shooter situation.

After searching the store, authorities discovered that someone had set off fireworks inside a trash can, causing the gunfire-like noises.

Maya Gomez told ABC 10News she was shopping with friends when she said she heard loud booms. She said she didn’t think it was gunfire until she heard a mention of a gun over an employee’s radio.

“All we hear is, ‘Boom, boom, boom, boom.’ It sounded like firecrackers … I was panicking, like, ‘Am I going to die?’ I was just really scared,” Gomez said.

Deputies eventually deemed the area safe, but authorities remained at the scene to continue their investigation, which included reviewing surveillance video footage.

ABC 10News learned no arrests were made and no injuries were reported.