Man ‘adjusting his pants’ causes gun to go off inside Atlanta mall, police say

ATLANTA — A man “adjusting his pants” in an Atlanta mall caused a gun to discharge Saturday evening, causing shoppers to run for cover, authorities said.

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According to Atlanta police, the gun went off inside a Neiman Marcus store in Lenox Square, WSB-TV reported.

Officers were called to the Buckhead area mall shortly after 6 p.m. after dispatchers received several 911 calls about gunshots coming from inside the department store, the television station reported.

“Witnesses initially indicated there may have been a dispute occurring between two individuals when they heard a shot fired. However, officers have uncovered additional information showing there was no dispute related to this,” Atlanta police said in a news release. “Instead, a male was walking through the store and adjusting his pants when the firearm he had in his waistband discharged. It appears the shot was accidental and no one was injured by the bullet.”

According to police, the gun owner ran from the mall and has not been located, WSB reported.

“We urge gun owners to be responsible and we would recommend they leave their firearms at home while they are out shopping in public areas,” police said in their news release. “Instances like this are unacceptable and we expect more from those who choose to carry firearms.”

Cox Media Group