CHANDLER, AZ — Officers responded to a false report of an active shooter at a JCPenney store in Chandler on Saturday afternoon.
Chandler police said the incident happened at the store located near Gilbert and Germann roads.
An off-duty Maricopa County Sheriff's deputy was reportedly Christmas shopping in the store and overheard an exchange between store employees about a possible shooter in the store. The deputy advised the employee to contact a supervisor and follow store protocol while the deputy called 911.
Police said officers responded and cleared with the building, but did not locate a shooter or any victims.
Eventually, the all clear was given and the store was re-opened for business.
According to police, the incident was determined to be a false alarm.
Chandler police said this serves as a good example of taking action when suspicious behavior is heard or seen.
This comes a day after a student at Apache Junction High Schoolmade a prank call of a reported threat. After a sweep of the school, officers determined there was no emergency.
