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A man was taken into custody at Destiny USA in Syracuse after a misunderstanding led to a brief lockdown of the shopping center on Thursday (August 28). The incident began when multiple 911 calls reported a man carrying what appeared to be an AR-15-style weapon near North Geddes and Spencer streets. However, it was later determined that the man was carrying an umbrella with a samurai-style handle, which resembled a rifle from a distance.
Syracuse Police responded swiftly, locking down the mall and deploying officers, drones, and a helicopter to locate the suspect. Around 4:10 p.m., a detective spotted the man on an escalator inside the mall. The man was detained, and it was confirmed that he was carrying an umbrella, not a firearm. The umbrella's design, with a long strap and samurai-style handle, contributed to the confusion, as noted by WSYR-TV.
After being taken to the Syracuse Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division for questioning, the man cooperated fully with detectives. Following a thorough investigation, which included reviewing video footage and speaking with witnesses, authorities decided not to press charges against him. The mall was reopened shortly after the incident, and Syracuse Police confirmed there was no threat to the public, according to Syracuse.com.