Lafayette, Louisiana - Lafayette police evacuated the Acadiana Mall Thursday evening following reports of a potentially armed individual, though authorities found no evidence of gunfire or injuries during their subsequent investigation.

The incident began around 5:40 p.m. when law enforcement received reports of a possible armed person inside the shopping center, located on Johnston Street near Ambassador Caffery Parkway. Lafayette Police Department responded with a significant presence due to the nature of the situation.

Lafayette Police Sergeant Matthew Benoit, serving as public information officer, addressed growing social media speculation about gunshots and ambulances at the scene. He indicated that they have no indication right now that any gunshots have been fired, Benoit explained during a media briefing.

As a precautionary measure, law enforcement conducted a thorough interior sweep of the building after evacuating all shoppers and employees.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the source of the initial reports.