Police spokesman Sergeant Mark Francis said there was at least one suspect in the shooting at Cascade Mall in Burlington, describing him as a "Hispanic male wearing gray."

The suspect was last seen walking toward the Interstate 5 highway from the mall before police arrived, Francis said, adding: "We're actively searching for suspect, tracking leads, etc."

The mall was evacuated and medics rushed to the scene to help the wounded, AFP reports.

"EMS starting to enter to attend to injured inside Mall w/ police escort and after initial clearance," Francis said on Twitter shortly before 8:30 pm (0330 GMT), referring to emergency medical services.

"Once EMS gets in, holding out hope that the number confirmed goes down."

Francis said survivors would be transported by bus to a nearby church in Burlington, which is located about 70 miles (110 kilometers) north of Seattle in the US Pacific Northwest state.

Witnesses told KOMO News that a shooter walked into Macy's and opened fire. Nearby businesses were evacuated, the television station added.

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