An apparent gang-related shooting inside Macy's at the South Shore Plaza caused choas inside the crowded shopping center Friday night. The mall was immediately placed in lockdown. State and local police, federal officers and a SWAT team descended on the plaza. No injuries were reported and a suspect was arrested early Saturday.

BRAINTREE – Police arrested a suspect early Saturday in Friday's South Shore Plaza shooting.

According to a press release from the Braintree police, Michael J. Spence Jr., 23, no address available, was taken into custody in Quincy without incident during the early morning hours.

Investigators used surveillance cameras, intelligence and a coordination of Boston Police Investigators, a positive identification of a suspect was made and that the arrest was made with the assistance of outside law enforcement agencies.

Spence was subsequently transported to and booked at the Braintree Police Department. He is currently being held on firearm charges to include; unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and discharging of a firearm within 500 feet of a building in use. There is also a probation detainer/warrant on Spence, according to the release.

A Dorchester man of the same age and name pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and unlawful possession of a large capacity magazine in 2014. Superior Court Judge Mary Ames sentenced him to two years in the house of correction, followed by two years of probation. Police had no comment on if this was the same man.

Police believe a chance meeting between two members of rival Boston gangs led to a shooting at South Shore Plaza on Friday night.

Police Chief Paul Shastany said the encounter took place in the shoe department at the Macy’s store in the mall.

“It appears to be related to gang activity,” Shastany said.

The chief said shell casings were found in the area, and investigators are reviewing video of the incident as well as statements from witnesses. A gun was recovered from outside the mall.

The incident took place at about 7 p.m.

State Police said in a statement that both individuals may have run from the mall immediately after the incident, but the information hasn’t been confirmed.

The mall was immediately placed in lockdown, with employees and patrons sheltering in place. As of 8:30 p.m., people were still leaving the shopping center and Shastany said police were putting together teams to go through the stores to locate people who may still be in hiding.

Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan said people were leaving the mall in an orderly fashion.

“They are doing a full search and making sure everyone is safe,” Sullivan said at the scene. “We’re taking every precautionary step we can, both for shoppers and employees.”

Braintree Police said the mall was cleared by 10 p.m. Friday.

Cell phone videos showed people running out of the mall into a parking garage.

One witness told WCVB-TV that she was never so scared in her life.

"We all flew to where they keep their shoes and we were all hiding and huddling. There was this poor woman and she had all the shoeboxes on the floor trying to hide her daughter," the woman said, sobbing.

Along with Braintree police, State Police, Quincy police and Randolph police responded to the scene, along with members of three different regional SWAT teams.

Shastany said Braintree police are working with several other departments on the investigation.

He asked that anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has other information to contact Braintree police or State Police.

South Shore Plaza has 180 stores and restaurants spread over two levels.