Umbrella mistaken for assault rifle sparks mall lockdown in Syracuse, New York, police say
A man carrying an umbrella with a samurai-sword-style handle sparked a police operation and the lockdown of a mall in Syracuse, New York.
The incident happened on August 28 when the umbrella was mistaken for an AR-15 assault rifle.
Syracuse police posted an image of the umbrella along with details of the incident.
Initially police responded to a report of a person with a suspicious weapon in the area of North Geddes Street and Spencer Street.
"The caller informed 911 that they observed a white male walking with what appeared to be an AR-15-looking weapon," police said.
A short time later there was a second report of a person with the description in the area of Hiawatha Street and Solar Street.
"This caller reported seeing the male 'cock the gun and sling it on his shoulder,'" police said.
Police activated drone units and searched the area.
Shortly after 4 p.m., a detective working in the nearby Destiny USA mall observed the man.
"Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of our guests, tenants, and employees, a lockdown was initiated," the mall said in a Facebook post.
The man was detained and brought to the Syracuse Police Department. He was fully cooperative and after a time was released without charges, according to police.
