An armed man fired multiple times at the tires of a vehicle fleeing with shoplifters inside from Brandywine Hundred's Concord Mall on Friday night, state police said.

State police said troopers were dispatched to the mall around 7:45 p.m. after shots were reportedly fired in the parking lot. They learned a man with a concealed carry permit had fired at a car that had intentionally struck a mall security vehicle, police said.

Four people had stolen items from inside the mall and were making their escape, police said. After the gunfire, they got out and ran away, according to state police.

The man who shot at their tires didn't leave. State police still are investigating whether the gunfire was justified as an act of self defense.

The man hasn't been charged. The shoplifters haven't been caught, but their vehicle was left behind when they ran. State police said the investigation is in its early stages.

Anyone with information can call state police at (302) 365-8487.

Contact Adam Duvernay at (302) 319-1855 or aduvernay@delawareonline.com.

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