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Concerns over a potential active shooter at the Florida Mall in Orlando on Saturday were determined to be unfounded by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

However, investigators said the quick-spreading rumor caused many people in the mall to run in a panic. 

Deputies told Spectrum News 13 on Monday that the incident was believed to have originated with a man yelling and threatening to pull out a gun and shoot two bystanders after he reportedly slipped and fell at the Crayola Experience. 

Deputies first arrived at Florida Mall around 3:50 p.m. in responses to reports of a possible active shooter. Once on the scene, though, investigators said they were able to quickly determine that there was no active shooter and no shots had been fired. 

Some witnesses claimed initially that some kids tossed firecrackers into trash cans, but there was also no evidence of that either, officials said.

Investigators determined that whatever happened began in the area by the Crayola Experience and Dick’s Sporting Goods, and as those patrons began to ran, the crowd fleeing picked up in size near the food court. 

OCSO released the following preliminary description of what happened:

“The incident likely stemmed from a man falling inside the Crayola Experience and making a statement about getting a gun. Based on witness statements, at about 3:30 p.m., a man in the store saw a child slip in a puddle of water, and walked over and slipped in the water himself. The man began yelling extremely loudly, which began to scare some of the other guests. When two other men approached to see if he needed help, the man on the ground allegedly told them he would grab his gun and shoot them.”

Dave Benson, a security expert with more than 40 years working in the public and private sectors, said that with concerns over possible mass shootings still on the minds of many, it’s important to have a “survival mindset.”

He describes that as not living in a state of unease, but being mindful of entrances and exits, especially when in crowded venues and events.

“You’re aware of your surroundings to the point that you can see something that potentially is a problem or dangerous and likewise, you’re able to respond to it in a prudent way, not panicking,” Benson said.

He advised that being situationally aware shouldn’t prevent folks from living their lives. That sentiment was echoed by Crystal Taylor, a local Realtor who was caught up in the confusion and hid with her family and others in the back room of Yankee Candle when mall patrons started running.

“I think we should still live our lives, do what we have to do," she said. "We work, we play, we love on our friends and family.

"I do think that we definitely need to me more aware of our surroundings, because we don’t know what’s out there and if something does happen, well, we do have to take notice and get to safety.” 

Orange County Sheriff's deputies say they are still investigating the incident to determine if any charges will be filed in connection with the incident.