Newly-released surveillance video shows the moment that set off a frenzy inside the Florida Mall Sunday, giving robbers time to make off with a designer watch.
- Deputies say the firecrackers were used as a distraction
- The real purpose was a robbery attempt at jewelry store, deputies say
- Some people were sent to hospital, others treated at the scene
- RELATED: Fireworks set off at Florida Mall, deputies say
The Orange County Sheriff's Office released the video Monday in the hope of finding the people involved.
The video shows someone setting off firecrackers inside a section of the mall around 5:45 p.m. Sunday.
People, fearing it was a gun, ran from the area, sparking a scare inside the mall that left 11 people injured.
Detectives say it was all part of a distraction theft. Deputies say one suspect was trying on a designer watch at Mayors Fine Jewelry, when the other set off the firecrackers, causing the panic that allowed the first suspect to run off with the watch.
A man who was shopping with his two young children, Steve Hughes, says people inside the mall were hysterical and many were crying as they tried to escape.
"I heard a bang to my right so I looked down towards the corner and I saw a second bang and a flash," he said. "It was panic. It was like a ship was sinking. People just running down the aisle. I really thought the kids were going to get crushed at one point."
Orange County Fire Rescue said 11 people were injured as crowds rushed out of the mall. Several of those were taken to the hospital while others were treated at the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Crimeline at: 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).