Many local residents were frightened by news that the Boca Raton Town Center Mall had a shooting scare.
However, newly surfaced evidence shows the loud noise mimicking a gunshot and causing pandemonium was just a balloon popping.
Following reports of shots fired, the Boca Raton SWAT and police put the mall on a six hour lockdown as they carried out an investigation.
According to the police, surveillance videos showed a janitor pushing a garbage cart over a balloon through the food court.
Following the pop citizens visibly reacted to the noise, seeking refuge from what they believed to be a gun shot.
Sun Sentinel explains that the police investigation did not present any evidence that an actual crime had occurred.
